A directional brake

Since we already installed a number of rope pumps in the Netherlands, we were looking for a safety brake that is reliable and stultifies the appearance of the rope pump not too much. As users of rope pumps know, the wheel and handle swing back firmly when they stop pumping. In developing countries the user gets instructions to use the hook to prevent turning back of the handle. For public places where anyone can use the pump, the blocking hook will not be used and there is a chance of injuring the user.

Therefore, we searched for an automatic device that prevents the reversal movement.

We have already been experimenting with a kind of rattle that inserts in the spokes of the wheel. Tests showed that the forces were too high resulting in bending the rattle pin. Another solution might be a band brake. This is also tested. These solutions do not look very pretty and they are susceptible to vandalism. Also, the braking power is not sufficient and reliable enough. A third type of a one-way brake with a nail into a wedge-shaped space in the bearing bushing gave good results. Better than expected. The video below shows the principle operation, construction, and testing of the one-way brake.

Posted on May 18th, 2011