Freewheel?

[negfrequency]

Noob here. Can someone please explain to me how a freewheel bearing works? I understand how a ratchet mechanism works, but i cant find any clear explanation on what locks a freewheel bearing from going backwards, as it is a slightly different design. The fact that there is one on my bike makes me even more angry that i dont get it.

[Cory]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freewheel

[RyanN]

I should design one for Vex. We've stripped out many motors because of a wheel spinning 2000+ RPM on our Vex bot keeps on spinning after the motor stops turning, and therefore, strips out the internal gears in the motor. The little plastic clutches that they include suck because they strip out even easier. If I make one, I'll post a picture of it here.

[amos229]

To prevent motor stripping slowly bring down the rpm.

[eshteyn]

its basically a brake making sure that the drive wheels do not drive the engine/motor and remove the chance of the motor seizing or breaking

[yongkimleng]

I've used both vex and IFI motors.. somehow I wonder why they do not put in metal gears. The modded-servos with metal gears are pretty strong, and coupled with the clutches would nearly remove any possibility of gears stripping. bringing down rpm also reduces this possibility a LOT. Like for e.g., do not drive ur bot into a sudden reverse when going down a ramp