FUSEE DRIVE Meaning and
Definition
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A fusee drive is a mechanical device commonly used in timepieces, particularly antique watches and clocks, to ensure a more consistent power delivery and improved timekeeping accuracy. The term "fusee" is derived from the French word "fusée," meaning spindle or cone.
The fusee drive consists of a conical-shaped pulley known as a fusee, connected to the mainspring barrel by means of a chain or gut line. The mainspring, which is responsible for storing and delivering power, is wound around the barrel. As the mainspring unwinds, it causes the fusee to rotate.
The primary purpose of the fusee drive is to counteract the gradual decrease in torque produced by the mainspring as it unwinds. This decrease can lead to inaccuracies in timekeeping, especially as the mainspring loses tension. The cone shape of the fusee allows the chain or gut line to move along its surface, thereby changing the effective diameter of the drive as the chain is wound or unwound. This adjustment compensates for the varying power output of the mainspring and helps maintain a consistent power delivery to the timekeeping mechanism.
The fusee drive was particularly crucial during the period when coiled mainsprings were introduced in timepieces, as the constant torque they provided helped improve their accuracy. While the fusee drive is rarely utilized in modern timekeeping devices due to advancements in technology, it remains a significant historical innovation in the world of horology.
Common Misspellings for FUSEE DRIVE
- dusee drive
- cusee drive
- vusee drive
- gusee drive
- tusee drive
- rusee drive
- fysee drive
- fhsee drive
- fjsee drive
- fisee drive
- f8see drive
- f7see drive
- fuaee drive
- fuzee drive
- fuxee drive
- fudee drive
- fueee drive
- fuwee drive
- fuswe drive
- fusse drive
Etymology of FUSEE DRIVE
The word "fusee" is derived from the French word "fusée", which means "spindle". In the context of a fusee drive, a fusee is a conical-shaped device with a spiral groove around it. The term "fusee drive" refers to a mechanism used in early clocks and watches to regulate the tension of the mainspring. The fusee drive functions by using a chain or cord wound around the fusee, which is connected to the mainspring barrel. As the spring unwinds, the chain or cord pulls on the fusee, adjusting its diameter. This action allows for a more even distribution of power from the mainspring, providing a consistent amplitude to the timekeeping mechanism. The term "fusee drive" likely emerged in the 17th century when this mechanical system gained popularity in horology.
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