using an electromagnet to OPEN a small door

Dec 01, 2005 3 Replies
S

Hi,



I'm building a small safe with an electronic strike. When a timer activates, the strike releases. I want the door to pop open, and using a spring is awkward. I thought a simple electromagnet might work, (activated just AFTER the strike releases to prevent pre-load problems.) Can somebody suggest a geometry.



Cheap strong electromagnets seem to be of the U-shaped variety. Can I use one of these and a permanent magnet to repel each other? (I can't use two permanent magnets because the pre-load on the strike can be enough to prevent it from opening.)



Thanks for any help.



sammy


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C

Something wrong with just a normal solenoid?

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R

Most security equipment suppliers will sell this type of equipment (access control), at least they do in the UK. Suggest you Google and try and find a local supplier.

Rob

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P

Have you thought of just using gravity? Mount the safe with the back slightly raised and the door will swing open all by itself..Or fix a weight on a hinge over the door, which is pushed up as the door closes.

But yes, your electromagnetic and permanent magnet idea should work - just don't use ac and remember that they will be attracted to each other when the power is off..So you could have a door that springs open, and bounces shut and "locks" again..

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