rope and pulley

[PanzerOfTheLake]

I imagine that rope and pulley would be a fitting extension to the current mechanical systems. Where a rope can be tensioned in two directions or no tension. (e.g. +1, -1, and 0 states)
An example would be to be able to connect two levers. So that if one lever is switched, the other one is switched as well. Mechanically, this is done by having a loop of rope. 
This system could be integrated with doors by locking and setting the state of a door with tension in one direction. When no tension is applied, the door is unlocked.

New mechanical components that would interact with the system would be a pressure plate and a part that doesn't lock but tensions the rope in the direction it's turning.
In summary, this allows for door control, connecting rotational mechanisms by linking the levers on clutches, and controlling clutches from a different room.

[Reade Pringle]

I think this would be pretty cool and a logical next step, perhaps even a precursor to wind-powered axles in the game or something similar. A good question, though, is if it'll be advantageous; then, how can it be locked for later use, like iron screws or a sturdy rope item? If it's less advantageous, then how can it be balanced but still worth doing?

 

[PanzerOfTheLake]

9 hours ago, Reade Pringle said:

I think this would be pretty cool and a logical next step, perhaps even a precursor to wind-powered axles in the game or something similar. A good question, though, is if it'll be advantageous; then, how can it be locked for later use, like iron screws or a sturdy rope item? If it's less advantageous, then how can it be balanced but still worth doing?

 

I imagine the pulley would require metal. And perhaps an upgraded version made from hard metal. A wooden hook could be early game alterative. Where each mechanical part in the system costs a certain amount of friction points.
If only the pulley that is used for turns requires metal, a simple counteroption like connecting two levers close to each other would be cheap and early game.

[wildforester]

The current mechanical system kind of limits each line of power to one machine. If ropes could work like that, only being able to have one start and end point while gears and axles could be branched out of wherever, I think that would work well. Cheap and rigid vs expensive and flexible power transmission.

[wildforester]

Later uses like being able to make a rope hoist for players would be neat, just outfit your rope pulley with loads of holds so you can grab on to go up or down