This fundamental mechanism allows a heavy mass to be elevated by applying a smaller force over a longer distance. It forms the mechanical basis for wedges, screws, and ramps used throughout machine design. The mechanical advantage depends directly on the ratio of the length of the slope to its vertical height, though friction always reduces the theoretical efficiency.
Heard on the job
The screw thread is just an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder to give us massive clamping force.
Also heard as
- ramp