Pawl (Noun)
Meaning
A hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The pawl engages with the ratchet wheel to allow it to rotate in only one direction, preventing backflow of fluid.
- In a wind-up clock, the pawl alternately locks and unlocks the gear to convert rotary motion into linear motion.
- The pawl mechanism is often used in mechanical devices such as gearboxes and drives to provide unidirectional motion.
- When the pawl clicks into place, it ensures that the wheel will not turn backwards, allowing the device to maintain its set position.
- The pawl's tip fits snugly into the ratchet notch, preventing slippage and keeping the system locked in place.