Hey all,

I currently have a 120V, 50W AC solenoid that I think will work well for this. I'm not opposed to buying DC solenoids. It will be actuating a flipper that hits 3" diameter (plastic) pinballs.

The problem I'm trying to solve is this:

I want full power to the solenoid when the flipper actuates. Then, after it reaches the end of travel, I want the force to the solenoid to drop to a holding value which is less than the full-power value so that if some one holds the flipper it doesn't continue to draw full power.

There's an Arduino involved with this project so that can be used for timing if necessary. I suppose I could put a leaf-switch at the end of travel of the flipper that would reduce the current to the flipper when switched open.

The question I'd love answered is what is a good component to achieve this? A triac? Should I switch to a DC solenoid? Maybe the opening switch at the end of travel of the flipper could change a snubber value, lowering the average current to the solenoid?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

For the fastest response an AC ver would be better, but if reducing the power with an AC version, it is likely to drop out completely which will result in a coil burn out, usually.
A DC version will hold in with reduced power once energized.

 

DC is also easier to control.
You can just switch in a series resistor with a transistor to lower the solenoid power.

 

pinball flipper solenoids have 3 terminals since using two coils in series. one coil is using larger diameter wire and it is used to get the initial kick. then the second coil become part of the circuit. this one has many more turns of much thinner wire and it is used to limit current while flipper is energized. the travel of the flipper would activate the switch. this is simple and it works.
today one can try different approach and use PWM to limit the current.

 

here is one that actually show wiring too:
https://www.moneymachines.com/product/a-24-570-34-3600-coil-bally-pinball-flipper/

 

If you can‘t get a dual coil solenoid of sufficient size perhaps you would work out a mechanical latch that operates at eh same tome the solenoid does so it captures the flipper when it is fully deployed. At the same time a limit switch turns off the coil power. When the button is released it de-energizes the latch coil and the flipper’s spring return operates on the flipper.

It seems like a simple mechanical and electrical arrangement.