What are the advantages of a solenoid motor over an electric motor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the advantages of solenoid motors compared to traditional electric motors, exploring their efficiency, applications, and mechanical characteristics. Participants examine the potential for converting force produced by solenoids into mechanical force and the implications of using solenoids in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the force produced by solenoids can be converted to mechanical force more efficiently than that of electric motors.
  • Others argue that solenoids and motors serve different purposes, with solenoids being more suited for linear applications like sliding levers and locking mechanisms, while motors are better for generating rotational motion.
  • A participant notes that solenoids are used in car starting systems, suggesting that if they were as efficient as motors, they would be used directly for starting the car.
  • Concerns are raised about the mechanical limitations of solenoids, such as potential clunky movement and shorter lifespan due to the nature of their operation.
  • One participant proposes the use of rotary solenoids or a slider crank mechanism to improve efficiency and reduce friction in converting linear to rotational movement.
  • Questions are posed regarding the current requirements for solenoids compared to electric motors, considering factors like the number of turns and wire thickness.
  • A participant shares a video demonstrating a setup where multiple solenoids are combined to create a motor, indicating interest in practical applications.
  • Another participant comments on the sound produced by solenoids compared to electric motors, suggesting that smoother operation may correlate with less wear and tear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the efficiency and suitability of solenoids versus electric motors for various applications. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the advantages and limitations of solenoid motors.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various engineering considerations, such as the lifespan of solenoids, the impact of temperature on efficiency, and the mechanical challenges in converting motion types. These factors are not fully resolved and depend on specific applications and designs.

Nocturnal Bug
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Can force produced by solenoid be converted to mechanical force and be more efficient than electric motor's force?
 
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Solenoids and motors are used for different things. Solenoids are good for sliding levers, locking or unlocking doors, advancing a switch one position at a time mechanically.

Motors are good for generating spinning axles for powering wheels, drills, electric screwdrivers or oscillating fans... and myriad other inventions.

Curiously solenoids and motors are combined for your car starting system. The solenoid engages the starter motor gears when the key is turned to start and then disengages the starter motor once the car is started.

If solenoids were as efficient as motors then they would have been used to start your car directly.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solenoid
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor
Of course, there are other engineering considerations. Using a solenoid to turn a shaft may result in clunky or erratic movement, or the solenoid may have a short life span because of the choppy motion of its action ie converting linear movement to rotational movement.
 
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Rotary solenoid can be used for giving rotating motion? Or linear solenoid with slider crank mechanism which reduces friction during conversion of linear movement to rotational movement? Life span of solenoid may depend upon temperature generated of continuous current supplied. So any alternative to boost efficiency? If friction is reduced to minimum,still won't change efficiency? And what is the amount of current required considering suitable number of turns and thickness of winded material, either more than electric motors?
 
Just saw this video on youtube where four solenoids are ganged together to create a motor.

 
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Listen to it run, and you can hear the rumbling sound of the piston movement vs a straight electric motor where the sound will be much smooth.

Usually less sound and smoother humming sound means smoother operation and less wear and tear.
 

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