detents
Position-locking mechanism parts
Detents are small catches or mechanisms that hold something in a specific position until released by force.
Found in mechanical devices, they create the satisfying click you feel when turning a dial or shifting gears, providing tactile feedback that confirms a setting.
A detent might be a spring-loaded ball bearing that snaps into notches, keeping a selector switch from drifting between positions.
The detents on the rotary switch were worn, so it wouldn't stay in place.
Brief sharp noise
- notchV-shaped incision
- ballSpherical plaything or gala
- springRecoiling metal spiral
- plungerSuction device for clogs
pawl · ratchet · groove · indexing · positioning · catch · stop · pin
Maintaining physical possession
- lockingFixing firmly in position
- secureProtected from harm
- restraintControl over impulses
- catchSeize or snag
keeper · anchor · fixture · fastening · grip · capture · stable · fixed
Brief sharp noise
- snapSudden sharp sound
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- feedbackReturned response data
- hapticOf touch perception
feel · bump · friction · stiffness · travel · force · engagement · breakover
Systematic organization for retrieval
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
repeatability · accuracy · registration · increments · stops · discrete · angular · rotary
click
Brief sharp noise
plunger · pawl · ratchet · groove · indexing · positioning · catch · stop · pin · engagement
holding
Maintaining physical possession
catch · keeper · anchor · fixture · fastening · grip · capture · stable · fixed · seated
click
Brief sharp noise
- snapSudden sharp sound
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- feedbackReturned response data
haptic · feel · bump · friction · stiffness · travel · force · engagement · breakover · crisp
indexing
Systematic organization for retrieval
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
adjustment · repeatability · accuracy · registration · increments · stops · discrete · angular · rotary · degrees
- detention centrePlace for confining people
- detention centerPlace for confining detainees
- juvenile detentionCustody for young offenders
- after school detentionPunitive supervised delay
- detention campsFacilities for confining groups
- saturday detention