A solenoid is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. It consists of a coil wound into a helix shape surrounding an iron core. When electric current passes through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the iron core. This causes the core to move linearly within the coil. Solenoids are used in applications like door locks, where the moving core can engage or disengage a locking mechanism in response to an electrical signal.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. It consists of a coil wound into a helix shape surrounding an iron core. When electric current passes through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the iron core. This causes the core to move linearly within the coil. Solenoids are used in applications like door locks, where the moving core can engage or disengage a locking mechanism in response to an electrical signal.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. It consists of a coil wound into a helix shape surrounding an iron core. When electric current passes through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the iron core. This causes the core to move linearly within the coil. Solenoids are used in applications like door locks, where the moving core can engage or disengage a locking mechanism in response to an electrical signal.
A solenoid is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. It consists of a coil wound into a helix shape surrounding an iron core. When electric current passes through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that attracts the iron core. This causes the core to move linearly within the coil. Solenoids are used in applications like door locks, where the moving core can engage or disengage a locking mechanism in response to an electrical signal.
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SOLENOIDS SUMMARY
CONSTRUCTION - Present in detail the parts and functions
Solenoid Construction
A solenoid is a long wire, wound with a helical pattern, usually surrounded by a steel frame, having a steel core inside the winding.
When carrying a current "i ", the solenoid becomes an electro-mechanical device, in which electrical energy is converted into mechanical work.
The core of a solenoid is usually made of two sections, a movable actuator, or plunger, and a fixed end core or back stop.
The efficiency of a solenoid is a factor of mechanical geometry, electrical configuration and
magnetic permeability of core, plunger and housing.
The plunger is free to travel in the centre of winding in a linear direction. When the coil is energized by the electric current " i ", a magnetic force is created between plunger and end core, causing the plunger to travel. The higher the permeability of steel used, the better the performance.
It is essential for a solenoid to lose its magnetic force when input electrical power is removed. This is to allow the plunger to resume its original position. Any remaining magnetic field is called residual magnetism.
Material of the central guide and plating of plunger must be chosen to introduce minimum friction and low wear. Glass filled nylon and brass for the guide and electro-less nickel plating or other low friction coatings such as PTFE for the plunger are often good candidates.
Design and selection of a solenoid requires basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical interrelationships. In many cases it is essential to make tradeoffs among a variety of mechanical, electrical, thermal, acoustical, and physical properties. The solenoids are simple electrical components and it has many uses in daily life. The term itself is derived from the Greek name “solen”, which illustrates a channel or a pipe. The second part of the name is taken from the Greek name “eidos”, which refers to an outline. Basically, it is a component in the form of a pipe. The solenoid is used in a variety of applications, and there are numerous types of solenoid designs available. Each of them has their own properties that make it useful in many precise applications. The various designs of these components do not change their necessary operating feature and the designing of the solenoids can be done in different ways. Generally, solenoid works on general electrical principle, but the mechanical energy of this device is distributed in a different way in different designs.
Electrical Symbol
Operating Principles
Working of Solenoids
After understanding the definition of solenoid and its parts, let us learn how solenoids work. Solenoid works on the principle of electromagnetism. When the electric current passes through the coil, the magnetic field is generated. When a metal core is placed inside the coil, the magnetic lines of flux are concentrated on the core. This increases the induction of the coil as compared to the air core. This concept is known as electromagnetic induction.
As we know, coils are made of numerous turns of copper wire wound tightly around it. A strong magnetic flux is developed when the current passes through the wire. The concentration of flux is high on the core, while some of the flux appears at the ends of the coil and outside the coil too. By increasing the flow of electric current or by increasing the density of the turns, the magnetic strength of the solenoid can be increased.
The housing is made of iron or steel. Housing is surrounded by the magnetic field created due to the coil. The plunger lets the mechanical force do work. Solenoids too feature positive and negative poles, through which an object can be attracted or repelled.
Consider a solenoid whose length is more than the radius. Enameled and insulated wire is wrapped with a wire in the form of a helix with a small gap between the turns. The amount of vector force provided by each turn, and the total magnetic field created by the solenoid are equal to that formed by a circular loop. This gives the total magnetic field of the solenoid. The lines of magnetic fields produced within a finite solenoid are as shown below.
Image below shows the depiction of a solenoid.
The field at any point beyond the solenoid is very thin. The field inside the solenoid is parallel to its axis at all times. The magnetic force produced by a solenoid can be defined using the Law of the Ampere: F = u0nI
Where n is the number of turns of the wire per unit length, I is the current flowing through the wire, and the direction is given using the right-hand thumb rule. SPECIFIC APPLICATION
One specific application of solenoids is in electronic door lock systems. In this system, a solenoid is used to control the locking and unlocking mechanism.
Explanation: 1. **Power Supply (+12V):** Provides the necessary voltage for the circuit. 2. **Resistor (R1):** Limits the current flowing through the circuit, protecting the components. 3. **Switch (Door control):** Acts as the input for manual control of the door locking mechanism. 4. **Solenoid:** When activated, the solenoid's coil creates a magnetic field, causing the plunger to move and engage the door lock.
Importance of Solenoids in Electronic Door Lock Systems:
- **Remote Control:** Solenoids enable remote or automated control of door locks, enhancing security and convenience. - **Quick Response:** Solenoids can react rapidly to electrical signals, allowing for swift locking and unlocking actions. - **Reliability:** Solenoids are durable and can withstand frequent usage, making them suitable for door lock applications. - **Integration with Access Control Systems:** Solenoids can be integrated into access control systems, enabling features such as keyless entry and electronic keycards.
This application showcases the versatility of solenoids in providing efficient and secure door control mechanisms.
