RC-Monster Forums - View Single Post

BrianG · 12.06.2008, 05:53 AM

An electromagnet could certainly do what you want, but the power requirements would be a little excessive for what you get. And yes, vehicle momentum will certainly increase the load requirements. You could easily double that weight in motion depending how fast the car stopped in a crash.

Electromagnets are pretty strong to resist pulling them apart, but any slide action and they will release. Just like how a strong fridge magnet works if you try to pull vs slide it.

Where I used to work, they used electromagnets on the doors for security (also had UPS/generator to power them if mains were lost). They were pretty small (around 4" X 4" X 8" ) but you could not force them open. Those operated on 24v DC IIRC, and consumed a few amps just sitting there.

I am having trouble visualizing the application. But I would opt for a mechanical latching solution instead. Then, use a solenoid/servo or something to actuate the release so you still get your "release at the flip of a switch" functionality...

	(#10)
BrianG RC-Monster Admin Offline Posts: 14,609 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Des Moines, IA	12.06.2008, 05:53 AM An electromagnet could certainly do what you want, but the power requirements would be a little excessive for what you get. And yes, vehicle momentum will certainly increase the load requirements. You could easily double that weight in motion depending how fast the car stopped in a crash. Electromagnets are pretty strong to resist pulling them apart, but any slide action and they will release. Just like how a strong fridge magnet works if you try to pull vs slide it. Where I used to work, they used electromagnets on the doors for security (also had UPS/generator to power them if mains were lost). They were pretty small (around 4" X 4" X 8" ) but you could not force them open. Those operated on 24v DC IIRC, and consumed a few amps just sitting there. I am having trouble visualizing the application. But I would opt for a mechanical latching solution instead. Then, use a solenoid/servo or something to actuate the release so you still get your "release at the flip of a switch" functionality...