pic: 3081 servo operated dog gear

[Camren]

It is pretty simple, there is a spring that holds the locking mechanism in place, and as the spindle is spun the lock positions itself in the gear. Then when we want to unwind the spindle. The motor spins just slightly to release the tension on the lock, and then the servo moves the lock into a neutral position allowing the spindle to unwind.

[Oblarg]

Having used (and eaten through) hand-made ratchets before, the one suggestion I have is to keep an eye out for wear and have plenty of spares.