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Solenoid ActuatorsClint Torgersen

ECE 5320 Assignment #1

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Solenoid Outline

Reference List

Introduction

Construction

Principles

Applications

Major Specifications Selection Factors

Limitations

Advantages

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Reference List

Texas Instruments http://focus.ti.com

Bully Dog Technologies fig 1

http://www.bullydog.com

Dakota Digital

http://www.dakotadigital.com

http://focus.ti.com/http://www.bullydog.com/http://www.bullydog.com/http://focus.ti.com/

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Introduction

Solenoids convert electrical energy into

mechanical work

This tutorial faces the issues of linear

actuator solenoids push and pull

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Construction

A standard solenoid is

constructed with a

core, inside the coil,

made of two sections- a fixed pole piece, or

backstop (A),

A movable armature

or plunger (B)

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Construction

And an iron frame

around the coil

winding (C).

The magnetic lines offorce created by the

electric current in the

coil react to close the

gap (D)

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Construction

Between the plunger and backstop; the

plunger moves and generates a linear

force - mechanical work.

The movable plunger is held in position in

the center of the coil

winding by a guide (E) which may be

made either of non-magnetic metal or

plastic.

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Principles

Current passing through a helical coil winding ofclosely spaced turns of copper magnet wireproduces a magnetic field which surrounds thecoil.

If an iron structure is assembled around thewinding, the magnetic force is channeledthrough the metal and is considerably increasedbecause of the magnetic permeability of theiron.

All solenoids develop magnetizing force, whichhas a relationship to the current and number ofturns in the coil.

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Applications

Automotive

Linear Movement

Small Valve Mechanisms Flow Control

Non-Stick Latches

Anywhere where fast linear movement isrequired

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Major Specifications Selection

Factors

Voltage Standard values may be listed

for both AC and DC types

Duty cycle- Specifies the length of time

the solenoid coil is to be electrically

energized and de-energized. They range

from continuous to 5% intermittent

Current and Power

Temperature

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Major Specifications Selection

Factors

Stroke Distance the plunger must travel

Force Push or pull energy the actuator

must exert

Mounting and Environment Coil heat is

bad for the Solenoid

Codes and Standards

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Limitations

Temperature of device may increase very

fast

Limited to current input possible

Limited to force of actuator

Large force = Lots of money

Must be mounted very firm

Must control with PWM or AC

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Advantages

Very strong

Very fast

Very customizable to specifications Several Manufacturers

Great for high power short bursts

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Types of Solenoids

Linear

Rotary

Long Stroke

Micro Machine

High Power