Single Direction Applied Force Locking Mechanism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for locking mechanisms that engage with force in a linear direction and can be released with force in the same direction. Participants explore various applications and technologies related to this concept, including electromagnets and existing mechanical systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding locking mechanisms that meet specific criteria and mentions a spring-loaded retractable pen mechanism as a potential example.
  • Another participant suggests searching for "clutch bearings" and "clutch springs" as they may provide relevant solutions, noting that commercial copiers might have small-sized springs.
  • A participant clarifies their application involves an electromagnet that pulls a face towards it, requiring a mechanism to hold the face in place after power is cut, with the release needing to apply force in the same direction as the initial pull.
  • Some participants mention other mechanical systems, such as cabinet door catches and pull cord light switches, as possible analogs to the desired mechanism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the specific locking mechanism that meets the outlined criteria. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain, indicating that the discussion is still unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the parameters of the locking mechanism, and there are unresolved questions regarding the specific requirements and constraints of the application involving the electromagnet.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical engineering, robotics, or design of locking mechanisms may find this discussion relevant.

szc
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Having trouble researching/discovering any locking mechanisms that engage with force in a linear direction and then allow the engagement to be released with force in the same applied direction. I don't know if it has been done, any help/findings would be greatly appreciated. The only technology I have been able to come up with is the spring loaded retractable pen mechanism.
 
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szc said:
Having trouble researching/discovering any locking mechanisms that engage with force in a linear direction and then allow the engagement to be released with force in the same applied direction. I don't know if it has been done, any help/findings would be greatly appreciated. The only technology I have been able to come up with is the spring loaded retractable pen mechanism.
I think if you search "clutch bearings" and "clutch springs" you might find what you are looking for. Commercial copiers are one place to find the springs (of a small size) any bearing supplier will have clutch bearings. ( they are kinda pricey though )
 
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I don't know if that's quite the application I am looking for. I probably should have explained the application a bit more. I am going to have two separate faces one being an electromagnet pulling the other face towards it. The electromagnet will only have the capabilities to apply force in one direction and I need to be able to hold the face in place once the power is cut from the electromagnet. Then once the mechanism needs to be released I can only apply force in the same direction that the electromagnet originally did.
 
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szc said:
I don't know if that's quite the application I am looking for. I probably should have explained the application a bit more. I am going to have two separate faces one being an electromagnet pulling the other face towards it. The electromagnet will only have the capabilities to apply force in one direction and I need to be able to hold the face in place once the power is cut from the electromagnet. Then once the mechanism needs to be released I can only apply force in the same direction that the electromagnet originally did.
That kinda twisted my brain ( but that's easy to do:wideeyed: ) but I'll think about it a bit, I suspect someone will answer before I figure it out :rolleyes:, just hang tight. :smile:
 
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Something like a pen?
 
Some cabinet door catches are push to open, push to close.

Pull cord light switches.
 
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