At Magnet-Schultz of America, we specialize in designing various types of electromagnetic solutions for our customers’ unique applications. One of the types of products we design and produce is what is known as a Magnetic Latching Solenoid. At Magnet-Schultz of America, however, we make a distinction between Magnetic Latching Solenoids and other Magnetic Latching Mechanisms.
What’s the difference between these? And, how do we determine which one to use in a given application? That will be the focus of our next two blogs.
At Magnet-Schultz of America, we commonly refer to a latching (or locking) device as a Magnetic Latching Solenoid. Magnetic Latching Solenoids at MSA typically consist of the following six (6) key components:
- Armature (plunger)
- Return spring
- Permanent magnet
- Electrical coil
- Body
- Stop
Magnetic latching solenoids have a permanent magnet integrated into the magnetic flux path. In Magnetic Latching Solenoids, the plunger is pulled in to the solenoid by the electromagnetic force of the powered coil aided by the permanent magnet. The armature will remain in the retracted position even after the power has been removed due to the field generated by the permanent magnet in its construction. When the polarity is reversed, the coil cancels the field of the permanent magnet and the plunger is returned to its original position with the help of the spring. In simpler terms, a Magnetic Latching Solenoid will either pull-in or release the armature (plunger) electrically depending on the direction of the polarity. There is no need to manually latch the device.
Some applications for which this type of design can be useful includes: mobile medical cart locks, valves, vacuum interrupters, and other devices, often battery powered, as it offers reliable and energy efficient operation.
To see a video of how MSA’s Magnetic Latching Solenoid works, click here: MSA Magnet Latching Solenoid.
Stay tuned for our next blog where we will go into further detail regarding what a Magnetic Latching Mechanism is and how this is different from our Magnetic Latching Solenoid.
If you have any questions related to sourcing or manufacturing, please contact us. We are happy to assist in the development of your application and can discuss if a Magnetic Latching Solenoid might be the right solution for you.
Browse past blogs for a more in-depth look at solenoid functions and subscribe to the notifications for future posts!
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