Using Solenoids to Improve Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety

An automobile manufacturer wanted to add an infrared camera to a vehicle detection device. The solenoid was designed to move a calibration flag over the lens.

Customer Problem

An automobile manufacturer wanted to add an infrared camera to a front-facing vehicle detection device. The device detected the thermal signature emitted by objects or pedestrians in the path of the automobile. Maintaining the accuracy and reliability of this system meant the camera needed to be calibrated when there was a drastic change in temperature. To calibrate the camera, a small flag needed to move over the lens, providing a known surface texture and color.

The TLX Solution

The infrared camera system needed a compact actuator with a fast response time. TLX Technologies designed a miniature latching solenoid that could be mounted to the circuit board. A pulse of power charges the magnet, extending the armature to move the calibration flag over the lens. Once calibrated, another pulse of power cancels the magnet, allowing the solenoid’s spring to retract the armature. This moves the flag back to its original position.

View Design Solution

Miniature Latching Solenoid

Movement: 40°

Holding force: .834 N

Response time: < 30 ms

Supply voltage: 12 Vdc

Operating temperature range: -40°C to 60°C

Coil resistance at 20°C: 8.0 ± .04 Ω

Durability: > 10M cycles

Duty rating: 10% ED

Connector type: Customer speciﬁed

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.

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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

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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

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