Catch & Release Mechanisms?

[Knight]

Gents,

I am trying to design a system whereby a weight swings into position and is locked there by a pin or latch. The wheel then turns 180 degrees and the pin / latch is released.

I was thinking of something along the lines of the spring loaded botton on a ball point pen. Can anyone else offer another alternative for a catch & release mechanism that would be fairly simple to make?

Cheers,

Knight

[rlortie]

Knight,

Size of your project will obviously make a difference, I am using latch bolts purchased from my local Ace hardware store. These are like the latches found in household doors only in square sleeves that can be surface or face mounted to any flat object.

They are equipped with a pull chain that with a little innovation you can rig to pull back when ever you wish to recycle your mechanism. A ball point pen is a good way to describe their action only the spring holds them out and they are somewhat larger!

Ralph

[Fletcher]

Similar to Ralph, in the past I have just used ordinary out door metal gate latches available from any hardware store. The thumb release can be activated by a sliding light weight attached to tip it open at a predetermined angle. You can use ropes & pulleys to change that release angle as desired.

[Knight]

Thanks guys, I will explore my local hardware store today. The size of the wheel should be able to support a large gate or door latch. I wasn't intending for it to be as big as it is but once I started building the components then assembling them onto the wheel frame it is almost touching the ceiling! I live in an apartment and all my tinkering is done on the small balcony just outside the living room. To date all of my wheels have been less than 1/2m in diameter and sit proudly in the corner of the dining room along with my timber and toolbox. The girlfriend has been very patient with my hobbie, but when she returns from her week long business trip to find a 2.2m diameter monster has taken over living room.... well let's just say this could be my last post.

[jupter]

knight mine is outside on the back portch .when i got home she said she moped the kitchen .i asked her why didn't you bring it in. she just looked at me with that look and pointed to the garage... good luck i hope the latches work...




jupter