Release trigger?

[mistersands]

I'm looking for simple mechanisms of release, almost like a seat belt or a simple buckler, but can be automated or controlled remotely. A quick release that will allow a flap to fall open without motors or pneumatics. Basically so something can be upright and within perimeter at start of match, and then released and fall to that 20 inch limit once match starts.

[Adam Freeman]

One idea that we have used in the past, a couple times, is a car trunk latch. They are usually easy to find in a junk yard.

The can hold a large amount of force and can be released with a servo or pneumatics.

You could just design a servo activated latch that would hold a simple panel in the starting configuration.

-Adam

[wilsonmw04]

gate latch?

[JohnBoucher]

Spring or velcro tether it to release when your wheels start to move

[arizonafoxx]

Fence Latch/Gate Latch sounds like what you are looking for.

[Whippet]

We're using a standard gate latch on our catapult prototype, and it's working marvelously.