worm drive
Helical reduction mechanism
A worm drive is a gear arrangement where a threaded shaft (the worm) meshes with a toothed wheel (the worm gear), converting rotational motion between perpendicular axes.
The design allows high gear reduction in compact space and prevents reverse rotation—the wheel can't turn the worm.
Common in steering systems, guitar tuners, and heavy machinery where precise control matters.
Shaped like a coil
- gearToothed wheel or belongings
- reductionMaking something smaller
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- threadFiber for stitching
helix · spiral · rotation · mesh · pitch · ratio · lead · screw
Relative difference between things
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- transfer caseGearbox distributing power to axles
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
- power steeringAssisted vehicle directional control
Copper-tin alloy
- bearingsAwareness of one's position
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- housingDwellings or protective covering
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
coupling · oil · seal · mounting · keyway · hub · bore · teeth
Energy transfer rate
- forceStrength or compulsion
- mechanical advantageForce output over input
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- loadCarried weight or burden
output · low speed · multiplication · transfer · moment · rotational · stress · strain
Mechanisms that move items
- elevatorsVertical passenger conveyances
- hoistsRaises or lifting devices
- steeringControlling direction of movement
- tuning pegsString tension adjusters
winches · gates · lifts · indexing · positioning · actuators · heavy machinery · rolling mills
helical
Shaped like a coil
thread · helix · spiral · rotation · mesh · pitch · ratio · lead · screw · shaft
differential
Relative difference between things
- axleShaft for wheel rotation
- transfer caseGearbox distributing power to axles
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
power steering · rear axle · ratio · gear reduction · self-locking
bronze
Copper-tin alloy
- bearingsAwareness of one's position
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- housingDwellings or protective covering
shaft · coupling · oil · seal · mounting · keyway · hub · bore · teeth · flange
power
Energy transfer rate
- forceStrength or compulsion
- mechanical advantageForce output over input
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
load · output · low speed · multiplication · transfer · moment · rotational · stress · strain · turning
conveyors
Mechanisms that move items
- elevatorsVertical passenger conveyances
- hoistsRaises or lifting devices
- steeringControlling direction of movement
tuning pegs · winches · gates · lifts · indexing · positioning · actuators · heavy machinery · rolling mills · stage machinery