How does a relay and solenoid work in the simplest way?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stanley_Smith
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Application Relay
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A relay and solenoid operate based on the principles of electromagnetism, where a current flowing through a coil of wire generates a magnetic field (B-field). This B-field can manipulate mechanical components, such as levers and switches, to either make or break electrical connections. The interaction between magnetic poles—where like poles repel and opposite poles attract—enables solenoids and relays to perform various mechanical functions. Understanding the behavior of unpaired electrons in materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt further clarifies how these devices function at a fundamental level.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetism and magnetic fields
  • Familiarity with basic electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of materials with magnetic properties (iron, nickel, cobalt)
  • Basic comprehension of electron behavior in conductive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetism in detail
  • Explore the construction and operation of different types of relays
  • Study solenoid applications in various mechanical systems
  • Learn about the role of magnetic domains in ferromagnetic materials
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of relays and solenoids in electrical systems.

Stanley_Smith
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
can anybody explain to me how relay and solanoid work in a simplest way ?

I got a few sources that explain about these two things but they confused me a little bit...

Thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Which part is confusing you? The formation of the B-field when current flows through a coil (relay, solenoid), or the mechanical aspect?

Here's a basic rundown, we can get a more indepth from here. Current flowing through a coil of wire produces a magnetic field (B-Field). If you take your right hand and wrap it around the coil in the direction of current flow(assume it flows from (+) to (-)) then your thumb will point toward the North pole of the B-Field. Once you establish a B-Field you can do a lot of things. You can use said field to rotate an actuator, you can lift an actuator, you can force an actuator down. All you're doing is using the B-field to make ferro-megnetic materials or other solenoids move in a desired fashion.

What happens when you put two N-poles of two different magnets close to each other? They repel. So, if you know where the N-pole on your solenoid will be when you switch the current on you can use that the move (up/down) or twist another magnet. What happens when you place a strong magnet near iron. They are attracted. Solenoids/relays use these properties to some mechanical function using electricity as the driver.
 
Stanley_Smith said:
can anybody explain to me how relay and solanoid work in a simplest way ?

I got a few sources that explain about these two things but they confused me a little bit...

Thanks
Passing a current through a coil of wire creates an electromagnet which pulls on a metal lever. The lever has a contact attached to it, and typically the movement is used to make or break an electrical connection.

[edit]
Here is a link with which includes an animated gif;
http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/relay.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
In a bar magnet, there are electrons. Some of these electrons aren't paired, meaning they don't have another electron spinning in the opposite direction. As electrons spin or move down a wire they create magnetic fields. When another electron, in the same shell, spins in the opposite direction, it creates a magnetic field with it's field upside down in relation to the other electron, this cancels out the magnetic fields of both electrons. Some atoms have unpaired electrons, but Iron, nickel, colbolt, and magnesium have many. Only magnesium has enough to make the atom magnetic.
In magnesium, there are billions of magnetized atoms that have north and south poles. The atom's poles align, and make larger segments called domains. These domains are just a group of millions of magnetized atoms. These domains align, and make the whole piece of magnesium is now magnetic. When a piece of iron, nickel, or cobolt comes near the magnesium, the magnesium aligns the atoms of it, because the iron, nickel or cobolt have south and north poles. This attracts it, and it moves to the magnesium. The atoms in the iron, nickel or cobolt are aligned with the magnesium. When you put another piece of magnesium near the magnesium, it's domains are strong enough not to conform to the other's domains.
In a piece of wire, free, unpaired, electrons flow through the wire a certain direction, creating a magnetic field. When you coil the wire, the lines of force move through the coil. A selinoid has a magnet tip, depending on which way current is flowing, the selinoid is attracted or repelled. In a relay, there is a spring loaded switch next to a coil of wire. When you apply current to the coil, the switch closes.
Sorry this is so long, I like to diagnose electronics to the subatomic level.
 
Most likely this can only be answered by an "old timer". I am making measurements on an uA709 op amp (metal can). I would like to calculate the frequency rolloff curves (I can measure them). I assume the compensation is via the miller effect. To do the calculations I would need to know the gain of the transistors and the effective resistance seen at the compensation terminals, not including the values I put there. Anyone know those values?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
Replies
37
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K