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Actuator (What can I do with this one???) — Parallax Forums

Actuator (What can I do with this one???)

NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
edited 2012-09-09 06:06 in General Discussion
OK, So I picked up these 2 Open Face Solenoid Actuators at a sale for $.50 each. I was not sure if I could use them but for a buck for both I figured what the heck. So, Can anyone tell me what I might be able to use them for and how would I control via a BS2 Stamp application? I was thinking maybe of a small door to open/close. Any how, I really just want some ideas and would like to figure out how to code them to work how they are suppose to. Thanks for the help.
Open Frame Actuator.jpg
500 x 375 - 53K

Comments

  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2012-09-08 12:28
    You'd control them the same way you'd control any load greater than what a Stamp pin can handle. See Nuts and Volts Column #6 for examples. They're marked 24V, so they'd work best at 24V, but probably would work at lower voltages, maybe as low as 12V. They're also marked 100 Ohms for the coil resistance. 24V / 100 Ohms = 0.24A. You'd need a transistor that can handle that and a diode reverse connected across the coil as shown in the Nuts and Volts Column.
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2012-09-08 15:59
    It looks like it has about 1/2 inch range of motion so it could be used as part of an electronic door lock, as an actuator for a small gate valve, or butterfly valve. On a conveyor it could be used to push a sample on or off the conveyor.
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2012-09-08 17:29
    @kwinn, Close, it has about 7/8" ROM. It also has a sping on the end. I like the electronic door lock idea. I have a few things that they would work well on. What exactly is a butterfly valve? I have heard of them before but never seen them in action.
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2012-09-08 19:15
    NWCCTV wrote: »
    @kwinn, Close, it has about 7/8" ROM. It also has a sping on the end. I like the electronic door lock idea. I have a few things that they would work well on. What exactly is a butterfly valve? I have heard of them before but never seen them in action.

    A butterfly valve is a valve that is hinged in the center and rotates 90 degrees to go between open and closed. They are typically round or square, but can be any other shape that is symmetrical. The valves in heating ducts are butterfly valves.
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2012-09-08 19:49
    Got it. I have seen many types of them, I just did not realize that is what they were called. Thanks.
  • frank freedmanfrank freedman Posts: 1,983
    edited 2012-09-08 22:13
    GE AMX4 uses a 24V solenoid for latch release for the tube head. Could use it for a gate latch release w/ appropriate weather-proofing. Put one next to a brass pipe (or salvaged door chime) and make a remote station for your doorbell. If you snore loudly, put it next to your head with a sensor for >N db it will ping you in the head so your wife doesn't have to. Maybe many potential brownie points for that last one...... Or at least justification for all the shop time at home......
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2012-09-09 00:07
    That last one was pure genius Frank.
  • idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
    edited 2012-09-09 06:06
    @NWCCTV

    A better question would be, what can't you do with the solenoids? However there are limitations, based on the stroke, force, and type of solenoid.
    • The stroke of a solenoid is never measured by the distance that it extends, because the magnetic field will always attract the piston back to the center of the coil. However there could be a retaining ring that prevents it from going past center, and if that is the case, perhaps it may reach the the extended position.
    • Considering that these solenoids have a return spring on the outside, a person could reasonably assume that they were meant to be "pull type" solenoids.
    • Solenoids can be operated with either constant current or pulse width modulation.
    • Similar or actual specifications can be found through research.
    Solenoids can be used for simple pull or push type operations, being dependent upon the type of solenoid. However, solenoids can be used for some very complex tasks. Considering that the solenoids shown have linear operation, this linear operation can be converted to rotory operation. Now let's suppose that the travel distance is 7/8". This distance can be increased or decreased through the use of a lever, which will either increase or decrease the final force. I personally use a solenoid on the end of a belt and stepper driven linear actuator to extend to pins down over my product, at which point, the stepper linear actuator removes my product from the work area.

    Bruce
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