It is possible to further generalize the concepts expressed by each of the mechanical metaphors you mentioned.
For example, the concept of a hinge or pivot can be generalized to describe any situation where movement or change occurs around a fixed point. This concept could be applied to a wide range of situations, such as the way that a lever pivots around a fulcrum to transmit force, or the way that a person’s neck pivots to allow them to look in different directions.
The concept of a gear or a system of gears can be generalized to describe any situation where power or motion is transmitted between different parts or elements of a system. This concept could be applied to a wide range of situations, such as the transmission of power through a mechanical transmission system in a car, or the way that different muscles work together to allow a person to move their arm.
The concept of a system of interconnected gears can be generalized to describe any situation where different parts or elements of a system are interconnected and the motion or behavior of one element affects the motion or behavior of other elements. This concept could be applied to a wide range of situations, such as the way that different cells in the human body communicate and work together to maintain homeostasis, or the way that different countries in the global economy influence each other through trade and other interactions.
The concept of a system of interconnected springs or elastic bands can be generalized to describe any situation where different forces or factors within a system are interconnected and influence each other. This concept could be applied to a wide range of situations, such as the way that different physical forces interact within a system to produce a particular result, or the way that different social or economic factors influence each other within a particular community or society.
Overall, these mechanical metaphors can be useful for helping to understand and communicate complex concepts and processes in a more concrete and intuitive way. By generalizing these concepts, it is possible to apply them to a wide range of situations and contexts.