detentbased

Detent-based refers to mechanical assemblies that use detents to locate and hold a moving component at discrete positions. A detent is a small indentation or recess in a rotating or sliding member, paired with a spring-loaded follower (often a ball, pin, or plunger) that fits into the detent. When the component is moved, the follower rides from one detent to the next, producing tactile and sometimes audible feedback and a secure resting position at each notch.

In rotary implementations, the detents are arranged around a circle; in linear systems, detents are placed along a track. Common implementations include ball-and-spring detents inside knobs and switches, push-pull or rotary switches, and various linkages in control panels. Magnetic detents also exist, using magnetic attraction or repulsion rather than mechanical notches to provide discrete positions.

Applications include volume knobs, camera focus or zoom rings, selector switches on audio gear, control panels, gear selectors in some vehicles, and latch mechanisms on tools.

Advantages include positive positioning, repeatable stops, and low power to maintain a position. Disadvantages include wear of detents or followers, limited resolution, potential sticking in dirty environments, and audible noise in some designs.

Design considerations include tolerance stacking, detent spacing, spring preload, material wear, lubrication, and life-cycle requirements.