precocked

Precocked is an adjective used to describe a mechanism in which an energy source—such as a coil or torsion spring, or an elastic band—has been preloaded and latched into a cocked state before operation. In precocked systems, energy is stored in advance so that a trigger or release can produce an immediate, rapid action when activated. The term emphasizes the state of the mechanism rather than a specific device.

Contexts and usage

Precocking is a general concept found in various mechanical domains. It is commonly applied to spring-loaded mechanisms, traps, and certain toy or demonstration devices where a quick response is desirable. In hunting or sporting equipment, some devices may be described as precocked to indicate that the energy source is already drawn or tensioned and ready to release at the moment of activation. The term is less commonly used to describe fixed-energy devices like fully wound clocks, where the energy supply is part of a broader, ongoing process rather than a discrete cocking state.

Engineering considerations

Preloading energy storage increases instantaneous power but also raises safety and durability concerns. Higher stored energy can lead to greater mechanical stress, accelerated wear, or unintended releases if the locking or safety features fail. Proper design, testing, and safety controls are essential, and the use of precocked mechanisms is subject to legal and regulatory requirements in many contexts.

See also

Cocking, preloading, spring-loaded mechanisms, safety mechanisms.