It should be a part of mandatory training for graphic designers that keep drawing these gears that can't work. Lookup for "gears icon", it's appalling.
This reminds me of the Stoneway Hardware store in Seattle and their bolt logo which pokes fun at this
There’s a hotel I stay in sometimes that has a large decorative spur gear in the lobby. With straight sided teeth. Bugs me beyond all reason. I may have to find different lodging next time I’m in that city.