Uploaded August 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Invented by Jean-André Lepaute in 1753, the pinwheel escapement was widely used in turret clocks to drive large public dials and bells. Though largely obsolete outside of tower installations, its robust design offered practical advantages for heavy-duty timekeeping.
Impulse is delivered by half-round pins projecting from the escape wheel. As one pin releases the exit pallet, the next locks onto the entry pallet. Compared to tooth-based escapements, pins are easier to replace, allow for slower gear trains, and reduce friction. With both pallet impulses directed downward, the motion remains steady—ideal for the rugged demands of turret clocks.
Compare a variety Lego and Meccano clock escapements in the following playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCbYhDNjOviEQ-C7DhFdyYKAKIA2d1159
Reference: The Encyclopedia Britannica, A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, And General Literature, Volume VI. 1877
#legoEscapement #PhysicsWithLego #legoescapement #ClockEscapement #LegoClockMechanism #legoengineering #PhysicsWithLego #torsionpendulum #DIYPhysicsClock #legoclockescapement
Invented by Jean-André Lepaute in 1753, the pinwheel escapement was widely used in turret clocks to drive large public dials and bells. Though largely obsolete outside of tower installations, its robust design offered practical advantages for heavy-duty timekeeping.
Impulse is delivered by half-round pins projecting from the escape wheel. As one pin releases the exit pallet, the next locks onto the entry pallet. Compared to tooth-based escapements, pins are easier to replace, allow for slower gear trains, and reduce friction. With both pallet impulses directed downward, the motion remains steady—ideal for the rugged demands of turret clocks.
Compare a variety Lego and Meccano clock escapements in the following playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCbYhDNjOviEQ-C7DhFdyYKAKIA2d1159
Reference: The Encyclopedia Britannica, A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, And General Literature, Volume VI. 1877
#legoEscapement #PhysicsWithLego #legoescapement #ClockEscapement #LegoClockMechanism #legoengineering #PhysicsWithLego #torsionpendulum #DIYPhysicsClock #legoclockescapement
