Quick release latch using an electromagnet

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DruJohnson
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I am currently working on a quick release latch that is using an electromagnet to open the latch. I currently have a spring attached to a bolt latch. I would like the electromagnet to be able to counter the force of the spring opening the latch. the force of the spring is about 9 Newtons. Currently my electromagnet is 7.45cm in length and 1.07cm in diameter. I have about approximately 150 turns of wire around an iron core. The power supply right now is 8 AA batteries. What can I change to allow the electromagnet to exert a force of 9 Newtons? The attached document shows the design that I am working on.
 

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DruJohnson said:
I am currently working on a quick release latch that is using an electromagnet to open the latch. I currently have a spring attached to a bolt latch. I would like the electromagnet to be able to counter the force of the spring opening the latch. the force of the spring is about 9 Newtons. Currently my electromagnet is 7.45cm in length and 1.07cm in diameter. I have about approximately 150 turns of wire around an iron core. The power supply right now is 8 AA batteries. What can I change to allow the electromagnet to exert a force of 9 Newtons? The attached document shows the design that I am working on.

Welcome to the PF.

A more efficient way to generate the pull force is to use a solenoid design. That is where you have an air core coil, with a ferrous bar partially in one end. When you energize the coil, it pulls the bar all the way into the coil.

So you could attach an iron bar to the latch bar, or make an extended latch bar. Take the metal out of your existing coil, or wind a new coil that is close-fitting for the bar that will be pulled into the coil. I think you will get better force that way, because you don't have the large air gap between the coil and the bar to start with.


http://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...id+switch&gbv=2&aq=3&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=solenoid

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Thank you. I will try the solenoid idea out.