A rack and pinion is a type of linear actuator that comprises a pair of gears which convert rotational motion into linear motion. A circular gear called "the pinion" engages teeth on a linear "gear" bar called "the rack"; rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move, thereby translating the rotational motion of the pinion into the linear motion of the rack.
For example, in a rack railway, the rotation of a pinion mounted on a locomotive or a railcar engages a rack between the rails and pulls a train along a steep slope.
Read more about Rack And Pinion: Applications
Famous quotes containing the word rack:
“O, let him pass. He hates him
That would upon the rack of this tough world
Stretch him out longer.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)