I am trying to create a system for a kinetic sculpture. I need a setup where, by pressing a button or switch, a motor is engaged and pulls an object upwards via a pulley, and once it has reached its peak, hold there until another press of a button, which quickly releases the cable pulling the object and it falls. Then with another press of the button, the process repeats. being aple to lift up to 9 pounds would be nice but not neccesary
That shouldn't be too hard to design. You'll need an electric motor, probably a geared DC motor, capable of reversing by reversing the power applied. You'll need the pulleys and appropriate cord/chain/etc. You'll need limit switches to limit the travel. And, you'll need a power supply.
Or, a microcontroller of some type (Arduino?) programmed to act as one.
Depending upon the holding torque of the motor and the amount of load, you may or may not need a dynamic brake to hold the cable while power is removed from the motor. Or, it may be possible to use a static brake, depending upon the friction to hold the load in place, yet allowing the cable to slide while the motor is energized.
Be sure to consider wear and its effects on the system, as well as safety.