Other Definitions
worm gear (dict)
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Worm GearA worm gear is a type of gear used to reduce speed or to allow torque to be transmitted between non-intersecting axles. For each complete turn of the worm shaft the gear shaft advances only one tooth of the gear. In this case, with a twelve tooth gear, the speed is reduced by a factor of twelve. Also, the axis of rotation is turned by 90 degrees. Unlike ordinary gears, the motion is not reversible, a worm can drive a gear to reduce speed but a gear cannot drive a worm to increase it. As the speed is reduced the torque to the drive increases correspondingly. Worm gears are a compact, efficient means of substantially decreasing speed and increasing torque. Ideal for use with small electric motors.
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