Is there a way to create a ratchet mate? For instance, a rack/pinion style system where the rack gear will float on a set of springs, and its teeth would be at a slight angle so the gear could ratchet back over them without engaging. The rack will travel left to right, when it travels right, its teeth will engage the gear, but when it travels back to the left the springs will allow the rack to travel downward as well so the teeth will roll off the gear in a step fashion. I need something like this for incrementing an operation driven by a gear set. For lack of a better term, an "On/Off" system.