wheel and axle

noun
1.
a simple machine consisting, in its typical form, of a cylindrical drum to which a wheel concentric with the drum is firmly fastened: ropes are so applied that as one unwinds from the wheel, another rope is wound on to the drum.
Origin
1765-75
Examples from the web for wheel and axle
  • Lightly oil the wheel and axle occasionally, unless it has sealed bearings.
  • wheel and axle loads for an individual vehicle are not difficult to determine.
British Dictionary definitions for wheel and axle

wheel and axle

noun
1.
a simple machine for raising weights in which a rope unwinding from a wheel is wound onto a cylindrical drum or shaft coaxial with or joined to the wheel to provide mechanical advantage
Encyclopedia Article for wheel and axle

basic machine component for amplifying force. In its earliest form it was probably used for raising weights or water buckets from wells. Its principle of operation is demonstrated by the large and small gears attached to the same shaft, as shown at A in the . The tendency of a force F applied at the radius R on the large gear to turn the shaft is sufficient to overcome the larger force W at the radius r on the small gear. The force amplification, or mechanical advantage, is equal to the ratio of the two forces (W:F) and also equal to the ratio of the radii of the two gears (R:r).

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