How to Modify the Simple Solenoid for Your Purposes

Many industrial applications rely on the simplest of devices in order to operate important features and processes, yet even these devices can be adjusted to give the operator additional flexibility when needed. Take the solenoid, for example. Its function is essentially to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Due to the interaction of the coil within its core, most of them are designed for one purpose: to pull the plunger and activate a process. However, you may have different intentions and may want this device to push instead or even to do both. How can you alter its capability in order to do this? 

How to Convert From One to Another

In order to convert a pull solenoid to a push version, a simple pushrod should be added to the end of the plunger, with a further modification made to the stop frame that allows the pushrod to extend through the back of the unit. In short, the pushrod attracts the power to push the solenoid instead, and it's not simply the case of reversing polarity in an attempt to push instead of pull.

Push or Pull

Sometimes, the plunger and the pushrod are of equal length, and this unit can then be configured to operate in either direction, either pull or push. However, in the basic design, they are meant to perform one action constantly and not be interchangeable.

Push and Pull

In order to do the latter, additional modifications have to be made. Essentially, two coils have to be joined together and the plunger is motivated according to whichever coil is energised at one moment. In other words, each coil is energised alternately.

Simple Solutions

To be less complicated, a unit can be configured with just a spring return, which will manually return the plunger at the end of the function. However, this is simply a mechanical device that returns the unit to its starting position when the power is turned off and does not automatically convert it into a push/pull solenoid.

Exploring Other Options

With some ingenuity, it is possible to create a variety of different designs to upgrade the standard performance of a solenoid, including the addition of multiple springs and mechanisms that are intended to alter performance, depending on a particular functionality. In order to look into this further, it's best to talk with specialists who have experience in custom engineering and who can best advise you about your particular requirements.