Applications of Pinion Gear And How a Rack and Pinion Gear Works
Applications of Pinion Gear And How a Rack and Pinion Gear Works
Pinion Gear is another form or variety of Spur Gear and are considered as normal gears. The term Rack and pinion gear is always used together. Rack and pinion is a specific example of spur gear. A Rack is a straight rod that has axles which are cut straight and across. The fact is, rack is taken as an unrolled and flat spur gear which converts a rotatory motion into linear and vice versa. A rotating pinion generates linear motion of the rack whereas, a moving rack enables the pinion to rotate. Different sizes of rack and pinions are available which is widely applied in automotive industry.
How it works in Train?
It is complicated to explain how the two gear works together. It comprises of two gears; a pinion which is the normal gear whereas rack is flat. The axle of the rack interlocks with the teeth of pinion. When the pinion rotates it enables the rack to move in a straight line converting a rotatory motion to linear. See the trains moving on track; that is a perfect example to rack and pinion gear in motion. To enable the train to travel in steep track; a huge gear wheel is fixed at the center of the train. When the train is rolled onto track, an extra track with more teeth are added. When the train moves over inclined track the rack and the pinion gear lowers to the ground with perfect interlock. This motion enhances the grip and prevents the train from slipping downwards.
Function in Household Appliances
In household appliances like mixers and grinders; the pinion is attached to a handle which connects the rack to the underside of the movable table. In this, the rack and the pinion move in linear motion forcing the table to move back and forth in linear motion. This is how the pinion gear works in grinders and milling machines. There is a high possibility of using such gears in robots and mini-machines sooner or later.
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