Solenoids Can Improve the Security of Your System

A leading computer manufacturer needed a security device to prevent hardware theft. TLX Technologies decided a bidirectional latching solenoid was the best solution because of its low power consumption.

Customer Problem

A leading computer manufacturer needed a security device to combat corporate espionage and theft of expensive hardware. The manufacturer needed a locking mechanism that would secure the hardware in place and allow removal only by an authorized administrator. The solution needed to be tamper-resistant, compact, and use very little power. Cost was of particular concern because the manufacturer did not want the solution to noticeably affect their bottom line.

The TLX Solution

TLX Technologies designed and produced a low-cost bidirectional latching solenoid for the manufacturer. The solenoid used only a short pulse of power to actuate, thereby locking or unlocking the hardware. The solenoid’s compact design meant that it could be installed in a secure location, making it highly tamper-resistant. Only administrators with the proper access code would be able to control the actuation of the solenoid.

View Design Solution

Bidirectional Latching Solenoid

Stroke: 5.1 mm

Holding force: 5.6 N

Supply voltage: 12 or 24 Vdc

Operating temperature range: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)

Coil resistance at 20°C: 12 Ω

Durability: > 100M cycles

Duty rating (%ED): 100% ED

Side load: 220 N

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

Working with TLX

Experienced partner of industry leaders, first-tier suppliers, and OEMs
Direct access to our design and engineering team
Localized production in USA and China
Dependable single-source solution from design to delivery

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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.

Step 4 / Testing

Prototypes are tested according to your specifications, with all relevant test data provided to you for evaluation.

Step 5 / APQP

DFMEA’s, PFMEA’s, control plans and process flow diagrams are started to drive the product intent design.

Step 6 / Pre-Production

Working drawings are developed for production. A second prototype build and a set of production parts are made from tooling and thoroughly tested.

Step 7 / PPAP/Production

The final design along with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is developed and the new product enters production.

Step 8 / Ongoing Improvements

Our team collaborates with you to continue making improvements to the product to best meet your needs, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

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