Locking mechanism in rack and pinion

[thakur_ashok82]

Hello

I'm designing lifting mechanism using rack and pinion. I'm facing problem in design idea for locking the rack in place when it is full lifted. Can anybody help in this design issue.

Remember when the pinion rotate reverse that time the should get unlock automatically.

Please help me here.

Thanks and Regards
Ashok

[jboggs]

Install a spring-actuated, solenoid-controlled brake (or ratchet) on the rack. Tie the solenoid to the electrical power driving the pinion. The spring causes the brake to engage. The solenoid retracts the spring and disengages the brake. That way the brake is always engaged except when the pinion is powered.