Clockwork
Clockwork is a term used to describe any mechanical device powered by a wound-up spring. The most common example is that of a mechanical clock, hence the name, but many types of mechanism also fall into this category. Most types of clockwork mechanisms feature gears to create a variety of rotational speeds and torques for many purposes.Clockwork mechanisms are found in:
- Clocks - a wound up spring drives the hands of the clock via an escapement and gears.
- Toys - often as a simple mechanical motor, or to create automata.
- Low-powered electrical equipment, such as a radio, where a very large wound-up spring is used to spin a small generator. Such equipment is very popular in the Third World, where batteries and mains power are scarce.
- Astronomical models, such as Orrerys. These have been constructed for hundreds of years.
- Almost all phonographs before the 1930s were powered by clockwork motors.
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