Single Direction Applied Force Locking Mechanism

[szc]

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.

 

[RonL]

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 )

 

[szc]

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.

 

[RonL]

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 ) but I'll think about it a bit, I suspect someone will answer before I figure it out , just hang tight.

 

[bsheikho]

Something like a pen?

 

[CWatters]

Some cabinet door catches are push to open, push to close.

Pull cord light switches.