Electric solenoids are switches used to control mechanical processes. They consist of a copper coil that creates a magnetic field when electrical energy is applied, moving a central metal shaft. They are used in automobiles, doorbells, pinball machines, and more. Solenoids can be powered by AC or DC, and their size and power needs vary. The armature assembly drives the shaft, which has an axial travel of 0.022 to 0.1 inch. Return springs bring the solenoid back to a neutral position, and the coil winding is known as the stator assembly.
An electric solenoid is a type of switch used to control a variety of mechanical processes. It is similar in construction to an electric motor with the exception that the central metal shaft of the solenoid is moved in and out of its case by the application of a magnetic field which is created when electrical energy is applied to a coil of copper surrounding tree. The types of solenoids are used in automobiles for various purposes, such as mechanical clutches to engage a starter assembly that meshes with a flywheel, as controls for choke and vacuum valve systems, and in fuel injectors.
Miniature versions of solenoids are built into doorbells to activate a small armature that rings a bell when the doorbell button is pressed, and in thousands of other microcontrol systems. Other neat applications include pinball machine controls and door locks, and controls to automatically lock some doors. The small electric solenoid components have very little force they are capable of applying, so they usually act like an electric solenoid actuator engaging stronger mechanical systems to close doors or otherwise move heavy objects.
The purpose of an electric solenoid centers on any need for rapid mechanical control of a system through the application of electrical energy. This gives it a variety of uses in both heavy machinery and fine electromechanical circuitry. The parts of a solenoid are essentially simple electromagnet parts consisting of a copper coil winding that produces a magnetic field when electrical energy is applied, and a central moving shaft, usually made of a magnetic metal such as steel or iron. Through the principle of induction discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831, the winding of the coil produces a magnetic field which pulls or pushes on the shaft. The shaft is usually spring loaded to hold it in a non-contact position until power is applied to the electric solenoid and once it has done its job as an actuator it is de-energized and withdraws in neutral position in the mechanical assembly.
Since the use of an electric solenoid depends entirely on the application, the size and power needs vary greatly. Solenoids can be powered by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), as both will produce induction in a wire winding. The mechanical components that drive the shaft are usually referred to as the armature assembly and make up the moving parts in the electric solenoid. Axial travel is the distance the shaft will move when activated and usually ranges from 0.022 to 0.1 inch (0.559 to 2.54 millimeters). The return springs act as a mechanical means of returning the solenoid to the neutral position and the coil winding surrounding the armature assembly is known as the stator assembly.
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