ABSTRACT
Detent mechanisms provide a means of locating single or multiple positions of sliding or rotating members. The detenting action is overruled by applying a force greater than that applied by the restraining member. An axial-acting translating pawl: sliding motion does not have as good friction characteristics as swinging pawls. Sliding motion also costs more in manufacturing. Pawl and ratchet mechanisms are intermittent motion mechanisms. The ratchet motion is often generated by a crank or an eccentric that produce modified simple harmonic motion. If the mechanism that drives the pawl-and-ratchet mechanism is made adjustable, then a variable stroke or rotation is obtained. The adjustment can be made during stopping in some cases and during operation in other cases. If a mechanism is to be adjusted while running, the speed has to be so low that the adjustment can be made by hand, or else the adjustment is made to a link connected to the frame.
