Can a worm gear be used for linear motion as well as for rotation?
To be more specific. Suppose I want the worm gear to rotate as well as move forward, is it possible to achieve that ?
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$\begingroup$ So, are you trying to use a worm gear setup like a rack and pinion? $\endgroup$– GisMofxCommented Jan 12, 2016 at 3:39
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$\begingroup$ Opposite actually. $\endgroup$– Rene DuchampCommented Jan 12, 2016 at 15:17
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$\begingroup$ So, what's the input and what's the output. Can you provide a diagram? $\endgroup$– GisMofxCommented Jan 12, 2016 at 15:19
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$\begingroup$ Yo want the worm gear to do a screw motion? If you attached it on some guides forcing the screw motion you should be set. $\endgroup$– John AlexiouCommented Jan 12, 2016 at 21:18
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2 Answers
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Interestingly, this is the opposite of the desired behavior of zoom lenses. Optics design houses go to some lengths with cams and retainers to allow the lens to extend without rotation. You might try looking up old (1970s) zoom lens mechanical patents to see if there's anything there you could use.
But as to pure worm gears, since the worm only rotates if it's constrained from translating, you'd need some "secondary" worm that translated the "primary" worm at half the drive gear's linear rate. Even then I would be concerned that the tiniest error in step-down rate would cause catastrophic lockup.
answered Jan 12, 2016 at 13:01
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$\begingroup$ Exactly my need. I am trying to design a worm gear that locks onto a retaining ring- rotate it - move the lens - lock it - and pull back the gear which is basically linear motion. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 12, 2016 at 14:08
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Yes it is feasible. A bistable locking arrangement need to be added and you can achieve desired functionality.
