What advancement did the different pin heights on the rotating cylinder transfer instantly?
Answer
Correct carry-over value
The physical design of the pinwheel, which is a rotating cylinder embedded with pins of varying heights arranged in steps, allows for the immediate and precise transfer of the correct carry-over value during an addition operation. When the main drive shaft rotates, the different heights of the pins engaging the counting gears ensure that if a partial turn moves the register by, for example, 8, the necessary transfer to the tens place (the carry) is mechanically handled without extra steps or calculation by the operator. This direct mechanical transfer of value, including carries, is central to the pinwheel's efficiency over less sophisticated systems.
Related Questions
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