Everyday machines 01
How a soap pump works
Press to dispense. Release to refill. Two one-way valves keep those jobs separate.
3 min readFollow a thread
Everyday machines
A push, a click, a turn: follow what happens next.
Stories in this topic
Everyday machines 02
How a click pen works
The spring wants the refill back. A little rotating latch decides whether it gets there.
3 min read
Everyday machines 03
Why bikes can coast
A one-way connection lets the rear wheel keep moving when the pedals stop.
3 min read
Everyday machines 04
How a microwave heats food
The oven supplies energy throughout part of the food. The food still has to share that heat.
5 min read
Everyday machines 05
How a refrigerator works
Cold is the result. Moving heat is the job.
5 min read
Everyday machines 06
How a toaster works
The element makes heat. The bread decides how that heat becomes toast.
5 min read
Everyday machines 07
How an electric kettle switches off
A familiar click can begin with steam reaching a small piece of metal.
5 min read
Everyday machines 08
How induction cooking works
The pan becomes the heating element. The glass still touches a hot pan.
5 min read
Everyday machines 09
How a dishwasher works
A wash cycle is a circulating shower, followed by a change of water.
5 min read
Everyday machines 10
Why washing machines spin
Fast rotation removes liquid water. It does not make all the moisture vanish.
5 min read
Everyday machines 11
How a vacuum cleaner works
Air makes the journey through the machine. Dust should leave that journey early.
5 min read
Everyday machines 12
How a siphon works
One part of the route rises. The full journey still loses height.
4 min read
Everyday machines 13
How an escalator works
The staircase is one visible part of a loop of guided moving steps.
5 min read
Everyday machines 14
How suction cups work
The cup makes a lower-pressure pocket. The air around it supplies the push.
5 min read
Everyday machines 15
How a drinks can tab works
Your finger goes up. The opening goes down. In between, the lever changes its job.
3 min read
Everyday machines 16
Why sinks have overflow holes
That small opening usually joins the same drain by a different route.
5 min read
Everyday machines 17
How a seat belt retractor works
A comfortable reel and an emergency restraint have to occupy the same small housing.
5 min read
Everyday machines 18
How an umbrella opens
One sliding ring changes the geometry of an entire roof.
5 min read
Everyday machines 19
How ball bearings work
The balls let parts turn, but they also have to carry the load between them.
4 min read
Everyday machines 20
How a pressure cooker works
The useful change is a hotter cooking environment, made possible by controlled pressure.
5 min read