Madonpyörä

Madonpyörä is a Finnish term that translates to "worm wheel" or "worm gear." It refers to a specific type of gear mechanism consisting of a screw-like component, known as a worm, and a toothed wheel, called a worm wheel or worm gear. This mechanical combination is designed to transmit rotational motion between two shafts that are typically at a 90-degree angle to each other.

The primary advantage of a madonpyörä system is its ability to achieve significant speed reduction and torque multiplication. When the worm rotates, it engages with the teeth of the worm wheel, causing the wheel to rotate at a much slower speed but with a proportionally higher torque. This makes it a common choice in applications where precise control and high torque are required, such as in lifting mechanisms, winches, and some types of steering systems.

Another characteristic of a madonpyörä is its self-locking capability. In many configurations, the worm gear can be rotated by the worm, but the worm wheel cannot drive the worm backward. This feature is useful for applications where maintaining a position without the need for a brake is desired. The friction between the worm and the wheel also contributes to the smooth and quiet operation of this gear system. Madonpyörä mechanisms are found in various industrial and mechanical devices where their unique properties are beneficial for performance and control.