Who Knows About Solenoids? Reactive Targets.

[woojos]

My gunsmith/buddy has some property and wanted to set up some reactive targets in the woods. The idea is as you walk through, you trigger motion sensors or laser sensors, and it releases the targets. I have the sensor system built and we are just using a remote for now.

The targets were going to be gravity driven, just a plate attached to a hinge and you pushed them over your common door lock type mechanism, and when the sensor activates it pulls back the solenoid dropping the target:

The problem is the original solenoid I ordered is relatively weak and won't function with a steel plate resting on it. I'd like to keep everything as simple as possible, but if we have to add a mechanical lever with a hook to drop the plate, it is probably OK as we can shield the solenoid from sprawl.

I found a ton online, and really doing this by trial and error, so I was hoping someone had some expertise to lend.

I'm hoping one that will run on 12-18v w/ 9v or AA batteries and is capable of generating a sufficient force, i.e. moving w/ a plate resting on it, with cost under $30/unit.

Any ideas?

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

This might work: http://www.surpluscenter.com/Electr...A420-066420-00-PULL-TYPE-SOLENOID-11-2194.axd

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I just noticed it only has a 5 ounce pull. That might not do it for you. I'm not sure how strong of a solenoid you'll be able to run if you only have twelve volt power. You might want to go 24 volt.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

This one has a 1.1kg pull and is 12 volt. It should be plenty : http://www.google.com/search?q=pull...AUoAQ&biw=360&bih=571#spd=8004918110413075828

 

[RickR]

What if you use a lever as a latch, and used the solenoid to hold/release the lever? ASCII art usually doesn't turn out, but...
Big Heavy Plate Lever latch Solenoid

______________---V-----------<

The V is the pivot.
There won't be a lot of pressure on the solenoid, because of the lever.

Regards,
Rick

 

[jake6547]

Man I love that place! So off topic

This might work: 24 VDC A420-066420-00 PULL TYPE SOLENOID

 

[woojos]

Thanks for the replies. It's going to be a pull type activating a hook on a lever. I found some universal door unlocker solenoids for cheap which should be more than powerful enough.

Also, 12v lead acid batteries, like on a RC car, are the ticket. They are cheaper than house batteries, provide adequate current, and should be easily rechargeable.

 

[Captain Kirk]

I would look into some heavy duty door pop solenoids for vehicles, much more power and they run on 12 volts so you could use a standard auto or motorcycle battery.

 

[Scimitar]

Grainger has quite a few. This one has pull force range from 20 oz to 112 oz
GUARDIAN ELECTRIC Solenoid,Box Frame,12DC,3.03A,3.96 Ohms - Mechanical Solenoids - 5EGL4|4-I-12D - Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[Scimitar]

door solenoids would be cheaper if you got them from junkyard

 

[woojos]

door solenoids would be cheaper if you got them from junkyard

I got these from Amazon: Amazon.com: Universal Car Power Door Lock Actuator 12-Volt Motor (2 Pack): Automotive. $5/each.

So far, they seem strong enough to activate some sort of latch or lever. The throw is not very long though. I do think they will run off smaller batteries versus a car battery, but I haven't tried that yet.