I tried to build a circuit that would allow me to push a washing machine's start button remotely using a solenoid as an actuator.
The solenoid is wired to a 9v battery which also powers an ESP8266 through LM7805 voltage regulator.
Unfortunately, after soldering all the components, I discovered that the soleniod does not produce enough force to actually push the button.
The solenoid I used has the following parameters (sellers ebay page):
Rated Voltage & Current DC 6V 0.15A
Power 3.4W
Action Form Push Pull Type
Force
Stroke: 2mm 35g/0.08lb
Stroke: 1mm 80g/0.18lb
Power On Type Intermittent 25%
Max Power On Time 1 Second
Body Size 20 x 12 x 11mm/0.8" x 0.5" x 0.4"(L*W*H)
Cable Length 5cm/2"
Material Metal, Electronic Parts
Weight 14g
Package Content 1 x DC Solenoid Electromagnet
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
I don't want to desolder anything. The solenoid and battery are connected with plugs into the board so I can replace them easily.
My question is: having these constraints, is there anything I can do to increase the force of the push?
Maybe I can replace the solenoid with a different one? Or plug something else instead of it? Can plugging different power source help?
Best Answer
Use a lever.
Presumably the button has much less travel than the solenoid, so you can put the solenoid at the and of a long rod and multiply the force.