Solenoid actuators use electromechanical forces to control mechanisms and have various designs. They consist of a stem, armature, spring, and solenoid electromagnets. When charged, the spring connects with the armature and stem, placing the device in an open state. They are used in various applications, including brake actuators and air supply valves. They can be direct acting or air pilot operated and are faster and easier to maintain than hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. They provide constant electromechanical forces and are reliable despite being less powerful.
A solenoid actuator is a device that uses electromechanical forces to control internal mechanisms. These devices often include a similar set of internal components. Basically, the magnetism created by solenoid electromagnets activates the mechanisms that move a central armature. There are many applications for solenoid actuators and a number of different designs which are most commonly used. Solenoid actuators are believed to have a number of advantages, especially when compared to hydraulic and pneumatic designs.
Typical configurations for a solenoid actuator include a stem connected to an armature and a spring. Also, solenoid electromagnets and associated electrical connections are considered to be the distinguishing features of these devices. Most of these parts are contained within a thick metal housing. In essence, these actuators are mechanical devices that depend on electromagnetism to produce the necessary force.
When the solenoids are charged, they exert a magnetic force on the spring. This activated spring typically connects with the armature and stem, placing the device in an open state. When the solenoids lose power, the spring releases the armature and stem, which usually forces the device into a closed state.
The simplicity of a solenoid actuator allows it to be used in a variety of applications. Brake actuators, for example, may depend on electromechanical solenoid processes for safe operation. More often, however, a solenoid actuator is used to operate smaller air supply valves. The limited horsepower of these actuators means that they can often only be used up to a certain threshold before more complex or heavy valves are required.
Most solenoid operated actuators can be classified as either direct acting or air pilot operated. Direct acting actuators tend to be used to control low volume valves, because they contain a single set of electromechanical controls. Air pilot operated actuators, on the other hand, are a combination of actuating valves and can often be used for higher volume applications. In pneumatically piloted actuators, the solenoids act as a sort of starting mechanism and tend to activate another actuator.
There are a number of advantages to using a solenoid actuator, especially over pneumatic or hydraulic actuator designs. Solenoid actuators tend to run faster and are typically easier to install and maintain. Both pneumatic and hydraulic actuators tend to be more complex and may require more consistent maintenance and more complex installation procedures. Solenoids generally provide constant electromechanical forces even as the devices age. A solenoid actuator is also considered reliable, despite being less powerful than other actuator designs.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
