Download Slide 1 - Robotics Academy

Electromagnetic Solenoid
• This lesson will explain the
purpose behind an
Electromagnetic Solenoid
and also give you steps on
how to create one.
• The solenoid is used with
the Vex Pneumatics Kit.
• Use the slide show for
building instructions.
• Use the animation to see
how a solenoid works.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Solenoid Background
• A solenoid is a wire wound coil that creates a magnetic field
when energized.
• A solenoid valve is a valve operated by a solenoid coil.
• Solenoids are devices that turn electrical energy into linear
motion.
• The solenoids in the Vex kit are electric solenoids used to
control pneumatic cylinders.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Electric Solenoids
• Electric Solenoid Valve
– Uses electricity to control
the solenoid action
– Electric solenoids are the
type the vex controller
uses.
– Vex solenoids attach via
input port to get 5v supply
voltage.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Solenoid Physics
• An electric solenoids consist
of an inductive coil wound
around a movable steel or
iron slug.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Solenoid Physics
• The coil is shaped such that
the slug can be moved in
and out of the center,
altering the coil's inductance
and thereby becoming an
electromagnet.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Solenoid Physics
• The force applied to the
slug is proportional to the
change in inductance of the
coil with respect to the
change in position of the
slug, and the current flowing
through the coil.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.
Solenoid Physics
• The force applied to the
slug will always move the
slug in a direction that
increases the
coil's inductance.
Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.