Infinity Gears

The STEMFIE Infinity Gears project is not just a playset but an educational tool that illuminates the mechanical principle of gear reduction through six steps. Each module features two gears on one axle: the small gear with 17 teeth and the large gear with 58, resulting in a 3.41 gear reduction.

This means that for each complete turn of the initial 17-tooth gear in the motor axle, the corresponding 58-tooth gear in the sixth last stage turns about 0.0634% of a full rotation, significantly reducing the speed and increasing the torque at the output of the final stage compared to the input at the first stage.

The TT motor turns at roughly 60 rotations per minute. As the gear wheels transfer rotation through each step, the last axle seems almost to remain motionless.

This educational toy is made of STEMFIE components; therefore, it is modular and can be expanded. If you 3D-print more parts, how many more gear wheel reductions can you make by extending the main beam?

⚠️ Please be cautious when using this toy with mechanical gearwheels, as there is a risk of pinching fingers or catching clothes and hair in the mechanism. Ensure you can quickly disconnect the USB power to the motor if necessary.

Non-printed hardware

This STEMFIE project requires non-printed hardware, which you can acquire via this link. 

Tools for assembly

For assembling this project, you need an H1.5 mm Allen key for screwing the BT2 screws securing the tip of the TT Motor and the printed part on the TT Motor's axle. You will also need the STEMFIE nut and screwdriver, which you can download and print in 3D using this link.

Blender scene file

To facilitate the assembly of this project, please download the provided Blender scene file. With it, you can navigate and easily view this project in 3D. Blender is an open-source 3D software you can download from Blender.org.

Download the complete set of files here

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