reduce sliding friction on solenoid plunger used as a trigger release.

[bob96808]

looking for any suggestions on how to greatly reduce sliding friction on a solenoid plunger that is being used to initiate a trigger action. A lever arm is held in tension by a spring. the solenoid plunger is holding the lever arm in position. When the plunger is retracted, the tension spring pulls down on the lever.
Current lever arm setup is exerting significant restraint on solenoid plunger, hence retraction is inhibited. Approximate retraction force required is 20 nt. The tension spring is only exerting a 10 nt force.
(see sketch)

 

[IRstuff]

One does not necessarily imply the other, or vice versa. Your lever is exerting a side force on the solenoid, possibly causing the plunger to bind. I would suggest that you get a competent ME to look over the design

TTFN
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[israelkk]

Can you show real drawing and solenoid arrangement including solenoid specifications?

 

[bob96808]

well, don't actually have drawing yet. i'm building this as i go. it is part of project. as far a solenoid, don't have that yet either. am using a nail to act as the shaft of solenoid. But given the reduction in friction that i need to make, i was hoping to make some sort of technical leap. solenoid will have to be DC 12v and compact. probably a 1/2" max movement will be sufficient, maybe 1/4". Instead of a lever arm per my rudimentary sketch, possibly some sort of cam might work better. But my back ground is EE not ME, so cams are not my strong suit.

I had a previous inquiry regarding a need to restrain a 450nt force on a shaft. a respondent provided a good idea. I subsequently purchased the recommended part from manufacturer and so far it works great.