Clockwork
The term
Clockwork has two closely related senses:
- lightweight mechanical linkages, especially those involving multiple axles.
- a complete mechanical device whose functioning relies on internal clockwork (in the preceding sense), especially where muscular effort is the sole source of operating power.
Often power for the device is stored within it via a winding device that applies mechanical stress to an energy-storage mechanism such as a
spring, thus involving some form of escapement; in other cases, hand power may be utilized as it is applied. The use of wheels, whether linked by
friction or
gear teeth, to redirect motion or gain speed or
torque, is typical; many clockworks have been constructed primarily to serve as visible or implicit
tours de force of mechanical ingenuity in this area.
The most common examples are mechanical clocks - hence the name. Others include:
- Toys - often as a simple mechanical motor, or to create automata.
- Babbage's difference and analytical engines, and simpler mechanical calculators.
- Astronomical models, such as orrerys whose history spans hundreds of years.
- Almost all phonographs built before the 1930s.
- Low-powered electrical equipment, such as a radio, where an energy-storing spring accounting for much of the size and weight of the device spins a much smaller electric generator; such equipment is very popular in certain Third World situations where batteries and mains power (house current) may be scarce.
See Also