Transportation Applications
Solenoid applications in this segment can best be characterized as “heavy duty”. Heavy duty applications are separated into five categories:
- Motive Rail Equipment (Trains and Rail switchgear)
- Heavy duty trucks and earth moving equipment
- Industrial Motive Equipment (Forklifts, Robotics, and Assembly equipment)
- Recreational Vehicles, Busses and trailers
- Vehicle Transmissions
Application examples include the “Jake Brake” a device that changes the timing of the engine exhaust valves, retarding engine power, door actuators on passenger trains, transmission engage – disengage switches, safety / access locks or switches, and hydraulic controls. Tubular and rotary solenoids are the most rugged and reliable with some D Frame alternatives depending on the operating environment. Modified standards may fit the application, but extreme environmental conditions and high impact shock / vibration considerations may require a custom solution. Molded and over molded requirements are not unusual.
Design Considerations:- Exposure to corrosive materials
- Shock and Vibration
- Force curve safety margins
- The effects of condensation and ambient temperature ranges
- Number of actuations / lifecycle