[JesseK]

I think I'd need to CAD this out a bit to figure out the relationships between the controller arm and 2 shafts before I truely understand how this thing works. Infinite amounts of steps in between two speeds seems a bit far fetched from that particular description/animation -- if the controller arm lengthens, should at least the arm to the output shaft have to lengthen as well?

I also question its reliability under heavy stress as well, as unintentional forces from defenders and bumping could stress the ratcheting output shaft in directions that were not designed for -- if the shock of being bumped is normal to the rachet (i.e. parallel to the output shaft) I believe the ratchet could miss/grind a couple of teeth or come off its track altogether. I wonder what amount of torque would break mechanism if it were stalled.

Neat concept.