| Racks
(straight gears)
|
- General: Racks are straight
gears that are used to convert rotational motion to
translational motion by means of a gear mesh. (They are in
theory a gear with an infinite pitch diameter). In theory, the
torque and angular velocity of the pinion gear are related to
the Force and the velocity of the rack by the radius of the
pinion gear, as is shown below:
Perhaps the most well-known application of a rack is the rack
and pinion steering system used on many cars in the past.
- Limitations: Limited
usefulness. Difficult to find.
- Advantages:The only gearing
component that converts rotational motion to translational
motion. Efficiently transmits power. Generally offers better
precision than other conversion methods.
