The word "tangent wheel" is spelled as /ˈtændʒənt wiːl/. The first syllable is pronounced with the "t" sound followed by the short "a" vowel sound and the "n" sound. The second syllable has a soft "g" followed by the long "e" vowel sound and the "nt" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with the "w" sound, the long "e" vowel sound and the "l" sound. The spelling of this word accurately reflects its phonetic pronunciation.
A tangent wheel refers to a mechanical device or feature typically found in machinery, particularly in relation to the operation of clocks, watches, and other related timekeeping devices. It consists of a toothed wheel that functions to transmit motion from one part to another.
In horology, a tangent wheel is commonly used to transfer rotary motion between two perpendicular or inclined axes. It is designed with a meshing arrangement, where the teeth of the tangent wheel engage with those of a pinion or gear, enabling the transmission of rotational force.
The primary purpose of a tangent wheel is to convert the movement of the driving shaft into rotational motion that can be used to operate various components of a timekeeping mechanism. By connecting the gearwheel to other parts of the device, such as a hand or an escapement, it participates in measuring and displaying time accurately.
Tangent wheels are typically fabricated from high-quality materials such as brass, ensuring durability and smooth operation. Their design often incorporates precise sizing and teeth profile to minimize friction and transmission loss, guaranteeing precise timekeeping.
Overall, the tangent wheel serves as a critical intermediary component in clock and watch mechanisms, enabling the efficient transfer of motion and ensuring the accurate measurement and display of time.
The word "tangent" originates from the Latin word "tangens", which means "touching". In mathematics, a tangent refers to a line that touches a curve at a single point but does not intersect it. The term "wheel" comes from the Old English word "hweol", which refers to a circular object that rotates around an axle.
The combination of these two words – "tangent" and "wheel" – gives rise to the term "tangent wheel", which describes a mechanical device used in navigation, surveying, and other applications. The tangent wheel is a circular instrument with a tangent screw, allowing for precise measurement and adjustment. The name likely emerged due to the fact that the instrument involves a wheel-like structure and utilizes the concept of tangents in its operation.