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

AI Thread Summary
Solenoid motors can convert electrical energy into mechanical force, but they are generally less efficient than electric motors for continuous motion applications. Solenoids excel in tasks requiring linear movement, such as locking mechanisms or sliding levers, while electric motors are preferred for generating rotational motion for various tools and vehicles. The combination of solenoids and motors is evident in car starting systems, where solenoids engage starter motors. However, using solenoids for rotational tasks can lead to erratic motion and a shorter lifespan due to the nature of their operation. Overall, while solenoids have specific advantages, electric motors remain the more efficient choice for most applications.
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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