Pull Type Locking Solenoid
Institutions and schools today are taking advantage of technological advances to create “smart classrooms” that provide teachers access to a wide variety of tools and resources and give students a more enriching learning experience. While these high-tech improvements provide a more robust learning experience, they also create additional security concerns that need to be addressed.
A commercial furniture systems manufacturer was looking for a solution to secure computer desks located in large lecture halls in educational institutions. The manufacturer’s customer desired a solution that would give the lecturer the ability lock and unlock all the desks when focused attention was needed during the lecture, when access to computers needed to be limited or to secure the desks at the end of the class period. In addition, the manufacturer was looking for a complete system to control the solenoids with minimal power consumption.
It was determined that a pull type locking solenoid integrated into a keyless system was the best solution for this application. When in the locked position, the solenoid required no power. When energized, the solenoid would pull in, hold and unlock the desk with very low current draw until the power was removed and the solenoid returned to the locked position. The solenoid was integrated into a keyless system that allowed the locking mechanisms to be controlled remotely with a key fob by the lecturer. TLX Technologies engineered a system that allowed 20-30 solenoids to be powered with one small power supply, had a high life cycle, and could be controlled (locked and unlocked) from anywhere in the room with a key fob.
For applications requiring a locking mechanism, the pull type locking solenoid provides an excellent energy efficient solution. This design can be customized to fit a variety of applications, to pull or push into the locked position and power requirements. In addition, this solenoid example can be integrated with either an active or passive key system as the application requires. Strokes and forces are flexible depending on solenoid size.
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