axis; axle; plan; contrivance
Can refer to a mechanical axis or axle, or figuratively to a central plan or scheme. The figurative sense often appears in compounds like 新機軸 (new departure, innovation).
The axle of this machine is worn out.
He proposed a business plan based on a new approach.
new method; new approach; new departure
innovation; new approach; breakthrough
Compound of 機 (machine, mechanism) and 軸 (axis, axle). The figurative sense likely developed from the idea of a central mechanical part around which something revolves.