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

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SUMMARY

Solenoid motors and electric motors serve distinct purposes, with solenoids excelling in applications like locking mechanisms and linear actuation, while electric motors are preferred for rotational tasks such as driving wheels and tools. The combination of solenoids with electric motors is evident in automotive starter systems, where solenoids engage starter gears. However, solenoids face limitations in efficiency and lifespan due to their mechanical action, which can lead to erratic movement and increased wear. Innovations like rotary solenoids and slider crank mechanisms aim to enhance performance, but challenges remain in achieving efficiency comparable to electric motors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solenoid mechanics and applications
  • Familiarity with electric motor functions and types
  • Knowledge of mechanical motion conversion techniques
  • Basic principles of electrical engineering, including current and resistance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research rotary solenoid designs and their applications
  • Explore slider crank mechanisms for linear to rotational motion conversion
  • Investigate solenoid lifespan factors and efficiency optimization techniques
  • Study the sound characteristics of different motor types and their implications for performance
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, automotive technicians, and hobbyists interested in the mechanics of solenoids and electric motors, as well as those looking to optimize mechanical systems for efficiency and performance.

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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