ratchet wheel
A "ratchet wheel" is integral to mechanisms requiring controlled directional movement, such as in clocks and various mechanical devices.
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Definition
B2Mechanical Engineering
(technical)A toothed wheel that allows movement in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction.
Example
- The ratchet wheel ensures the wrench only turns the bolt in one direction.
- In many hand tools, the ratchet wheel prevents the tool from slipping backwards.
C1Timepieces
(technical)A wheel over the mainspring arbor that controls the winding mechanism.
Example
- The watchmaker carefully examined the ratchet wheel to ensure the clock's accuracy.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ratchet wheel":
wheel aboutrear wheelwagon wheelbig wheelpower wheelwater wheeldog wheelexercise wheelfront wheelcross axlecrank the handlesteel wheelwing nutgrinding wheel