Basic Gear Terminology

Front

Input

Back

The component or mechanism that receives energy or information to be processed.

Front

Output

Back

The result or effect produced by a system or process.

Front

Driving Gear

Back

The gear that GIVES/TRANSMITS power and motion to the rest of the gear train.

Front

Driven Gear

Back

The gear that RECEIVES power and motion from the driving gear.

Front

Idler Gear

Back

A gear placed between the driving gear and the driven gear to change the direction of rotation without altering the gear ratio.

Front

Clockwise

Back

A rotational direction that follows the movement of the hands on a clock.

Front

Counter-Clockwise

Back

A rotational direction opposite to the movement of the hands on a clock.

Front

Gear Train

Back

A series of gears working together to transmit motion and force.

Front

Rotary Motion

Back

Circular movement around an axis.