Ratchet
 

We are using a kicker mechanism, and we are hoping to use a ratchet system to crank back the kicker and quickly release it in order to kick the ball. Since this is the first time that our team is using this type of system, we are seeking assistance about how to implement this properly. Does anyone have experience with a ratchet system that can send us designs and/or CADs to help us?

Re: Ratchet
 

Re: Ratchet
 

Our team was just planning on using one from a craftsman wrench until andymark made this.

Re: Ratchet
 

You'll pay through the nose for them, but McMaster-Carr has a ratchet and pawl set in 3/8th stainless that's quite robust and attachable to your system in whatever way you find convenient. (We welded in a plug and then hex broached it.)

Re: Ratchet
 

Which is now unfortunately out of stock...

(The AndyMark solution, that is)

Re: Ratchet
 

Would you mind posting a link to that? I haven't been able to find it with simple searching.

Re: Ratchet
 

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Remember, you don't necessarily need a ratchet, you could use neutral and a gearbox that isn't backdrivable. It sounds a lot like a dewalt drill transmission to me :] !

Re: Ratchet
 

Mcmaster 5163A16

Re: Ratchet
 

Also look for cheap off-the-shelf solutions. If your gearbox has (or can have) hex shaft, a ratchet from a socket set or a ratcheting combination wrench might have you covered:

An example from Lowes

There's already a couple of threads about converting COTS shifting gearboxes (Vex Ball shifter in particular) to one-speed-and-neutral, which you can do by removing one gear.

Hope this helps!

Re: Ratchet
 

You could also consider a worm drive. They are generally not backdriveable depending on the number of starts on the worm.

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They you could run the catapult the other way too if you need to simply by reversing the motor.

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Using an AndyMark shifter drive system with some simple changes might do what you want.

Re: Ratchet
 

How do the teeth hold up over time, shifting under strain?