What is a Retentor? Definition, Examples, and Functions

Retentor (from Latin retinere, to hold back) is a device used in various applications to retain or hold back a moving part or mechanism. It can be a mechanical or hydraulic component that provides resistance to the movement of an object, allowing it to slow down or stop.

Some common examples of retentors include:

1. Brakes: In vehicles, bicycles, and other machinery, brakes are used as retentors to slow down or stop the movement of wheels or other moving parts.
2. Clutches: Clutches are retentors that connect and disconnect two rotating shafts, allowing one shaft to slow down or stop while the other continues to rotate.
3. Drag links: In suspension systems, drag links are retentors that connect the suspension arms to the vehicle frame, providing resistance to the up-and-down movement of the wheels.
4. Hydraulic cylinders: Hydraulic cylinders can be used as retentors in applications such as construction equipment, where they provide resistance to the movement of heavy loads.
5. Pawls: Pawls are retentors used in gearboxes and other mechanical systems to hold back a moving part or mechanism, allowing it to slow down or stop.
6. Ratchets: Ratchets are retentors that allow motion in one direction only, providing resistance to the movement of a mechanism in the opposite direction.
7. Speed limiters: In some vehicles, speed limiters are used as retentors to limit the top speed of the vehicle, preventing it from exceeding a certain speed.
8. Thrust bearings: Thrust bearings are retentors that provide resistance to the forward-and-backward movement of a rotating shaft, allowing it to slow down or stop.

Overall, retentors are important components in many mechanical and hydraulic systems, providing resistance to the movement of moving parts and allowing them to slow down or stop as needed.