Product overviewA latching solenoid actuator designed to remain latched in either the extended or retracted position without continuous electrical power. A permanent magnet provides the holding force so the actuator maintains its position with no energy consumption until a brief pulsed electrical impulse (opposite polarities for lock/unlock) changes the state. Common form factors include tubular, box-frame and rotary; force ranges from a few newtons up to >100 N. Suitable for battery-operated or IoT systems where energy efficiency and power-loss resilience are required.
Key features- Zero holding power: permanent magnet holds position without power.
- Pulsed power operation: only short electrical pulses needed to change states.
- Bi-stability: two stable positions (extended and retracted) without continuous energy.
- Low heat output and energy-efficient compared with continuous solenoids.
- Medium holding force relative to size; suitable for smart locks, valve regulators and portable devices.
How it worksThe actuator combines a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic coil. A short DC pulse (typically 20–100 ms) generates a field that either reinforces or opposes the permanent magnet's field; opposite polarity pulses switch between latched positions. Power is consumed only during brief switching pulses; otherwise the device draws no current while held.
Industrial applicationsUsed where power conservation and fail-safe holding are critical: smart door/cabinet/safe locks, EV charger plug locks, remote irrigation or solar-powered valve control, household appliance water control, portable medical gas flow controllers, automotive parking/locking devices, vending machines, lockers, counting machines, and solar positioning systems.
Advantages- No standby power consumption when latched.
- Cool operation with minimal heat dissipation while holding.
- Fail-safe holding in case of power outage.
- Battery-friendly, suitable for portable and IoT devices.
- Simple drive circuits possible (capacitor discharge, H-bridge for bipolar drive).
- Compact designs with relatively strong holding force for size.
Disadvantages- Bipolar drive required (reverse polarity pulse to release) unless using dual-winding designs.
- Lower dynamic (switching) force compared to continuously driven solenoids.
- Susceptible to demagnetization at high temperatures or strong external magnetic fields.
- Slower switching (typical 20–100 ms) and limited stroke (commonly up to ~15 mm).
Factors affecting operation- Coil design & electrical parameters: voltage, current, resistance, wire size, number of turns (trade-off between magnetic strength and response speed).
- Pulse energy: correct voltage, pulse width, polarity and timing are critical (too short = no operation; too long = overheating).
- Magnet strength: stronger magnets increase holding force but may be harder to release.
- Mechanical load & friction: external load, return spring and internal friction affect stroke completion and holding reliability.
- Temperature & environment: high temperature raises coil resistance and can demagnetize magnets; moisture/dust increases friction and corrosion.
- Power supply stability: voltage fluctuations can cause unreliable switching, especially for battery-powered or long-wiring applications.
- Required response times: heavy plungers or poorly optimized coils slow response.
- Magnetic materials & manufacturing precision: core/plunger materials and air-gap tolerances strongly affect generated force.
- Control circuit design: correct drive type (H-bridge, pulse waveform), polarity inversion, timing and protection components are essential.
Troubleshooting (common symptoms & checks)- Fails to latch/unlatch: check pulse amplitude/current, increase pulse width (e.g., ~100 ms), verify reverse-polarity capability, inspect magnets for thermal degradation.
- Weak holding (load pulls plunger): measure holding force, reduce temperature, check alignment and end-stop contact, consider higher holding-force model.
- Intermittent operation: inspect wire connections, H-bridge/contact oxidation, capacitor discharge circuit components and driver transistor thermal issues.
- Interference near other magnets: move device away from external magnetic sources or add magnetic shielding; increase pulse current if needed.
- No movement/no sound: check coil continuity and resistance (expected in typical range per design), inspect plunger for rust/corrosion, test with alternate power source.
Technical specifications- Brand: Weilong Technology
- Model: WL1240
- Rated Voltage: DC 12 V or 24 V
- Rated Power: 10–20 W
- Work Model: Push-Pull Type
- Holding Force: 4000 gf
- Stroke: 10 mm (customizable)
- Reset Time: 0.2 s
- Service Life: 500,000 cycles
- Certifications: CE, RoHS, ISO9001
- Material: superior magnet iron
- Lead Wire Length: 200 mm
- Installation: screw
- Dimensional Tolerance: ±0.1 mm
- Water-proof: None
- Insulation Class: B
- Hi-Pot Test: AC 600 V 50/60 Hz 2 s
- Non-excitation Holding Force: 0
- Working Temperature: -10 °C to 100 °C
- Duty Cycle: 1–100 %
- Thread Depth: /
- Payment Term: TT or LC at sight
- Sample Order: Yes
- Warranty: 1 Year
- MOQ: 1000 pcs
- Supply Ability: 5000 pcs per week
- Delivery Time: 30 Days
- Port of Loading: Shenzhen