Ratchet (device)

A ratchet is a mechanical device that allows continuous linear or rotary motion in only one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction. Ratchets are widely used in machinery and tools. The word ratchet is also used informally to refer to a ratcheting socket wrench.

A ratchet featuring a gear (1) and pawl (2) mounted on a base (3)

Theory of operation
A ratchet moving in its "forward" direction

A ratchet consists of a round gear or a linear rack with teeth, and a pivoting, spring-loaded finger called a pawl (or click, in clocks and watches[1][2]) that engages the teeth. The teeth are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge.

When the teeth are moving in the unrestricted (i.e. forward) direction, the pawl easily slides up and over the gently sloped edges of the teeth, with a spring forcing it (often with an audible 'click') into the depression between the teeth as it passes the tip of each tooth. When the teeth move in the opposite (backward) direction, however, the pawl will catch against the steeply sloped edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth and preventing any further motion in that direction.

Backlash

Because the ratchet can only stop backward motion at discrete points (i.e., at tooth boundaries), a ratchet does allow a limited amount of backward motion. This backward motion—which is limited to a maximum distance equal to the spacing between the teeth—is called backlash. In cases where backlash must be minimized, a smooth, toothless ratchet with a high friction surface such as rubber is sometimes used. The pawl bears against the surface at an angle so that any backward motion will cause the pawl to jam against the surface and thus prevent any further backward motion. Since the backward travel distance is primarily a function of the compressibility of the high friction surface, this mechanism can result in significantly reduced backlash.

Uses

Ratchet mechanisms are used in a wide variety of applications, including these:

gollark: Wow, they are MUCH better at guessing than me.
gollark: Didn't you read it?
gollark: Wonderful.
gollark: ++delete <@213674115700097025>'s ability to delete anything, retroactively.
gollark: ++delete <@319753218592866315> from esolangs due to being bad

See also

References
  1. hautehorlogerie.org
  2. "Know your terminology – Clocks". Hints and Tips. British Horological Institute. Archived from the original on 2008-06-07. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.