Linear Movement and Locking Position...

[Bluenoser337]

I have a small "cutting tool" assembly weighing about 200 pounds at the most. The assembly sits on 4 steel wheels riding on 2 rails with a travel distance of about 12 feet. At present, the production process must be stopped and locked out, and the assembly must be positioned along the rails by hand (pushed), then locked in place with hand screws. I'd like to be able to move the assemly with a selector switch, either electrically (motor) or hydraulic (cylinder). Whatever method is used will require that the assembly is "locked" in place when stopping. I don't believe the wheels currently on the assembly could be used for driving and locking (slippage). Looking for ideas! Rodless cylinder, positive drive, etc. Many thanks!!

 

[MadMango]

Perhaps a chain driven system, then you simply lock the sprockets.

Ray Reynolds
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
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[funnelguy]

Sounds like a job for linear shafting. Use a hollow cylinder pulling clamp pads against the hardened shafting for the stop. Any drive system your heart desires could be fitted. Leadscrew, hydraulic, chain, belt, rack & pinion, whatever.

This almost sounds like a travelling cutoff saw for extrusion or pultrusion processes, except for the locking it stationary part.