What is pignon?

As an AI language model, I can provide you below information about pignon:

  • "Pignon" is a French word that means "pinion" in English. It refers to a small gear with straight teeth that meshes with a larger gear to transmit power.

  • Pignons can be found in various mechanical devices, such as bicycles, cars, clocks, and many types of machinery.

  • Pignons are typically made of metal, such as steel or brass, and are heat-treated to increase their strength and durability.

  • Pignons can come in different sizes and shapes, depending on their application and the type of gear they mesh with.

  • The teeth of a pignon are designed to mesh with the teeth of another gear in a specific way to ensure that the power is transmitted efficiently and smoothly.

  • Pignons are often used in combination with other gears to create a gear train that can transfer power and change the speed or direction of motion.

  • Pignons can also be used in timing belts and in chain drives to transmit power from one shaft to another.

  • In some applications, pignons can be a source of noise and wear due to their small size and high rotational speed. Therefore, proper lubrication and maintenance are essential to ensure their longevity and performance.