Spur wheel is a mechanical component with teeth that mesh with another gear to transfer power. The spelling of "spur wheel" in IPA phonetic transcription is /spɜːr wiːl/. The first syllable, "spur," is pronounced with a long e sound (/ɜːr/), and the second syllable, "wheel," has a long i sound (/wiːl/). This precise spelling ensures that the word can be pronounced correctly by speakers of different dialects or languages. Whether you're discussing machinery, transportation, or any other topic that involves gears, it's essential to spell "spur wheel" correctly both in writing and speech.
A spur wheel refers to a type of mechanical gear or cogwheel that has a series of teeth or cogs projecting radially from its flat face. It is commonly used in machinery and mechanisms to transmit motion or power between rotating axles or shafts. The teeth of a spur wheel are straight and parallel to the axis of rotation, making it distinct from other types of gears that may be curved or helical in shape.
The main purpose of a spur wheel is to mesh with another gear or toothed component in order to transfer rotational force or motion. The teeth on the spur wheel engage with the corresponding teeth on the mating gear, causing both gears to rotate in synchronization. This mechanism allows for the smooth and efficient transfer of power and motion.
Spur wheels are widely used in various applications ranging from automobiles and industrial machinery to clocks and watches. They are valued for their simplicity, ease of manufacturing, and cost-effectiveness. However, due to the nature of their teeth engagement, spur wheels can generate noise and vibration during operation, especially at high speeds or under heavy loads.
To enhance the performance of spur wheels and reduce noise, they can be designed with certain modifications such as tooth profiling, tooth pitch variation, or the addition of helical angles. These alterations can improve the meshing characteristics and overall efficiency of the gear system.
A wheel having cogs around the rim, but pointing towards its centre.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The etymology of the phrase "spur wheel" can be traced back to the Middle English period. The word "spur" originated from the Old English word "spura", which means a pointed device or instrument. This term was commonly used to refer to a sharp object or projection, such as a thorn or a pointed spur worn by riders on the heels of their boots to urge horses forward.
The word "wheel", on the other hand, is derived from the Old English word "hweol", which was used to describe a circular device used for transportation. Over time, "hweol" evolved into "wheel", which became the standard term for a circular object that rotates around a central axis.
When combined, "spur wheel" refers to a type of gear mechanism that consists of teeth projecting from the edge of a circular wheel, resembling the pointed spurs worn by horse riders.