A device used to determine the rotational speed of a driven component in a mechanical system based on the diameter ratios of interconnected wheels or gears and the rotational speed of the driving component. For example, if a smaller wheel drives a larger one, the rotational speed of the larger wheel will be reduced proportionally to the diameter difference.
Such calculations are critical in various engineering applications, from designing machinery to optimizing power transmission. Accurate determination of rotational speeds enables precise control over mechanical processes and allows for efficiency optimization. The underlying principles have been understood and applied for centuries, evolving from simple estimations to precise computerized analyses.