worm gear
Threaded shaft mechanism
A worm gear is a gear mechanism where a threaded shaft (the worm) meshes with a toothed wheel, allowing motion to transfer between perpendicular axes.
The design provides high gear reduction and prevents reverse rotation—the wheel can't drive the worm.
Common in steering systems, elevators, and guitar tuning pegs: The worm gear gives precise control.
Interlocking in coordination
- threadFiber for stitching
- helixSpiraling three-dimensional curve
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- pitchFrequency of sound
tooth · bronze · right angle drive · self-locking · enveloping · cylindrical · throated · mesh
Strong negative reaction
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- self-lockingFastens without manual effort
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
wear · heat dissipation · noise reduction · load capacity · torque · compactness
Conveying mechanical energy elsewhere
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
- driveOperate a vehicle
- reducerSomething that lessens
reduction ratio · mechanical advantage · rotational motion · coupling · actuation
Vertical conveyance between floors
- conveyorMechanism that transports items
- tuning pegKnob controlling string tension
- steeringControlling direction of movement
- winchDrum-and-cable lifting mechanism
hoist · indexing · gate valve · jack · lathe · mill · positioning · lifting
Subtractive metalworking process
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- bronze castingForming objects from melted alloy
- hardeningBecoming less soft
- finishingBringing to completion
tolerance · precision · quality control · alignment · specifications · fit · heat treatment
Curve winding around center
- axisRotation reference line
- right angleExactly ninety degrees
- perpendicularAt right angles
- tangentLine touching curve once
meshing
Interlocking in coordination
pitch · tooth · bronze · right angle drive · self-locking · enveloping · cylindrical · throated · mesh · engagement
backlash
Strong negative reaction
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- self-lockingFastens without manual effort
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
lubrication · wear · heat dissipation · noise reduction · load capacity · torque · compactness
power transmission
Conveying mechanical energy elsewhere
- gearboxEnclosed system of cogs
- drivetrainVehicle power transmission system
- driveOperate a vehicle
reducer · reduction ratio · mechanical advantage · rotational motion · coupling · actuation
elevator
Vertical conveyance between floors
- conveyorMechanism that transports items
- tuning pegKnob controlling string tension
- steeringControlling direction of movement
winch · hoist · indexing · gate valve · jack · lathe · mill · positioning · lifting · tensioning
machining
Subtractive metalworking process
- grindingMolar action sometimes
- bronze castingForming objects from melted alloy
- hardeningBecoming less soft
finishing · tolerance · precision · quality control · alignment · specifications · fit · heat treatment
spiral
Curve winding around center
- axisRotation reference line
- right angleExactly ninety degrees
- perpendicularAt right angles