What are Knobs?
Knobs are small, round, or cylindrical-shaped handles that are used to adjust, control, or operate various devices or machinery. They are typically attached to a shaft or rod and can be turned or rotated to adjust the setting or position of the device or machinery. Knobs are commonly made of metal, plastic, or wood, and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be simple and functional or decorative and ornate. Knobs are widely used in many different applications and can be found in homes, offices, and industrial settings. They are easy to use and simple to install, making them a popular choice for controlling and adjusting various devices and machinery.
Working of Knob
A knob typically works by being attached to a shaft or rod that is connected to the mechanism or device that is being controlled or adjusted. When the knob is turned or rotated, it causes the shaft or rod to rotate as well. This in turn causes the mechanism or device to move or change position.
For example, in a stove or oven, the temperature knob is attached to a shaft that is connected to the gas valve or electric heating element. When the knob is turned to a higher setting, it causes the shaft to rotate, which opens the gas valve or increases the electric current to the heating element, resulting in a higher temperature.
In a car or truck, the shift knob is attached to a shaft that is connected to the transmission. When the knob is moved from park to drive, it causes the shaft to rotate, which in turn causes the transmission to change gears.
In a light dimmer, the knob is attached to a rheostat which is a variable resistor. The knob when rotated will vary the resistance which in turn will vary the amount of current flowing to the light bulb, thus changing the brightness of the light.
Types of Knob
There are several types of knobs that are used for different applications and devices, some examples include:- Pointer knobs: These knobs have a pointed indicator that lines up with a marked scale or graduated scale. They are commonly used in adjusting the settings on electronic devices, such as audio equipment or scientific instruments.
- Wing knobs: These knobs have two or more projecting wings or flanges that can be grasped and rotated. They are commonly used in applications where a larger surface area is needed for a better grip, such as adjusting the settings on a stove or oven.
- Push-pull knobs: These knobs have a button or tab that can be pressed in to release the knob, allowing it to be pulled out or pushed in. They are commonly used in applications where the knob needs to be locked in place, such as a volume knob on a stereo.
- Ball knobs: These knobs are usually round and made of metal or plastic. They have a ball-shaped handle that can be grasped and rotated. They are commonly used in applications where a smooth, easy-to-grasp handle is needed, such as adjusting the settings on a fan or air conditioner.
- T-knobs: These knobs have a T-shaped handle that can be grasped and rotated. They are commonly used in applications where a large surface area is needed for a better grip and where a pointer knob is not necessary, such as adjusting the settings on a camera or telescope.
- Fluted knobs: These knobs have a series of vertical ridges or grooves around the circumference, providing a better grip. They are commonly used in applications where a better grip is needed, such as adjusting the settings on a scientific instrument.
- Lever knobs: These knobs are actuated by a lever that is attached to the knob. They are commonly used in applications where a knob is difficult to reach or where a knob needs to be actuated in a particular direction such as in a car, truck, or machinery.
- D-shaped knobs: These knobs are D-shaped and can be grasped and rotated. They are commonly used in applications where a smooth, easy-to-grasp handle is needed, such as adjusting the settings on a machine or device.
Application of Knob
Knobs have a wide range of applications in various devices and machinery. Some examples of its uses are:- Control knobs: These knobs are used to adjust the settings on electronic devices, such as audio equipment, televisions, and scientific instruments. They are also commonly used to adjust the settings on household appliances, such as stoves, ovens, and washing machines.
- Volume knobs: These knobs are used to adjust the volume of audio equipment, such as stereos, radios, and televisions.
- Temperature knobs: These knobs are used to adjust the temperature of appliances, such as stoves, ovens, and air conditioners.
- Dimmer knobs: These knobs are used to adjust the brightness of lighting fixtures, such as lamps and overhead lights.
- Gear shift knobs: These knobs are used to shift gears on vehicles, such as cars and trucks.
- Machine control knobs: These knobs are used to control and adjust the settings on various types of machinery, such as lathes, mills, and saws.
- Camera knobs: These knobs are used to adjust the settings on cameras and other photographic equipment, such as aperture, shutter speed, and focus.
- Telescope knobs: These knobs are used to adjust the settings on telescopes, such as focus, magnification, and tracking.
- Industrial controls: These knobs are used to control various types of industrial machinery, such as pumps, generators, and motors.
- Medical equipment: These knobs are used to control and adjust settings on various types of medical equipment, such as surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment.