Assembled electromechanical switching device for minimizing air gap in magnetic path

Abstract

In a particular embodiment, a method of assembling an electromechanical switching device is disclosed that includes partially inserting a lower static core into a core cavity of a coil assembly having a plurality of components including a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing. In this embodiment, the core cavity is formed by a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing. The method further includes positioning the coil assembly within the coil yoke and pushing the coil assembly into the coil yoke such that the lower static core is fully inserted into the core cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to assembling an electromechanical switching device to minimize air gaps in the magnetic circuit path of the electromechanical switching device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electromechanical switching devices, such as contactors and relays, are critical components in electrical systems tasked with efficiently managing the flow of current for specified durations. These devices feature dynamic components responsible for opening and closing electrical circuits. Central to their function is the magnetic circuit, which is integrated to direct and control the electromagnetic field generated by the device's coil. This magnetic field serves as the driving force behind the actuation of the switching device.

[0003] Conventionally, constructing the magnetic circuit of an electromechanical switching device involves assembling multiple components to form a cohesive path. However, variations introduced during manufacturing and assembly inevitably result in the formation of unavoidable air gaps between these components. While cost-effective with loose tolerances in component selection and manufacturing, the use of multiple components increases the likelihood of air gaps occurring. Air gaps are problematic because magnetic flux lines strongly prefer to flow through steel rather than air, with the preference factor ranging from 100 to over 10,000 depending on the steel grade. Air gaps allow flux lines to escape, forcing the remaining lines to pass through a smaller cross-sectional area, potentially saturating the material and limiting the magnetic force. Reduced magnetic force can lead to higher contact resistance and compromised performance, especially at high temperatures.

[0004] For example, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switching device 100 featuring a coil yoke with a base section 106 and upwardly extending arms 140 around a coil assembly 190 is depicted. During assembly, the coil assembly 190 is inserted into the coil yoke, with the arms 140 intended to be fastened to an upper plate 108. In this example, the arms 140 are too long, creating a gap 199 between the coil assembly 190 and the base section 106, thereby reducing performance and potentially causing chatter during application.

[0005] In another example illustrated in Figure 2 An electromechanical switching device 200 includes a coil yoke with a base section 206 and arms 240 that are too short, resulting in a gap 299 between an upper plate 208 and the arms 240. This gap compromises magnetic efficiency and device performance while increasing yield loss during soldering.

[0006] As these examples illustrate, the challenge is to join multiple components in a cost-effective manner without introducing air gaps that degrade circuit performance or incur significant costs for precision components. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure presents apparatuses, systems, devices, and methods designed to minimize air gaps during assembly of an electromechanical switching device. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, during initial assembly, a lower static core of an electromechanical switching device is positioned outside of its final assembled position. Through a precise insertion operation during assembly, the proposed solution enables seamless integration of components during assembly and minimizes air gaps in the magnetic path of the electromechanical switching device. Reducing the occurrence of air gaps between components enhances the magnetic force generated by the coil and, therefore, increases the performance and reliability of the electromechanical switching device.

[0008] In a particular embodiment, a method of assembling an electromechanical switching device is disclosed, the method comprising partially inserting a lower static core into a core cavity of a coil assembly having a plurality of components including a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing. In this embodiment, the core cavity is formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing. The method further comprises positioning the coil assembly within a coil yoke and pushing the coil assembly into the coil yoke such that the lower static core is fully inserted into the core cavity.

[0009] In a further embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing. In this embodiment, the coil yoke has arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle from a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by the surface of the base.

[0010] In a further embodiment, an electromechanical switching device apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a lower static core and a coil assembly having a plurality of components including a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing. In this embodiment, the coil assembly includes a core cavity for inserting the lower static core. The core cavity is formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing. The apparatus further comprises a coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing. In this embodiment, the coil yoke has arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle from a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by the surface of the base section.

[0011] As will be further explained below, in the assembly of an electromechanical switching device, in conjunction with a coil yoke having arms featuring a predetermined outwardly curved portion, facilitates enhanced component integration through a precise bending process during assembly. This, in turn, enhances the performance and reliability of the assembled electromechanical switching device.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the application will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the application, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numbers will be used to represent the same components throughout the various drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switch device having a coil yoke with arms that are too long.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an additional electromechanical switch device having a coil yoke with arms that are too short.

[0015] Figure 3A is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switch device assembly including a coil yoke having arms with predetermined outwardly curved portions, according to at least one assembly process embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switch device assembly of Figure 3A , according to at least one assembly process embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the coil yoke frame arms are compressed.

[0017] Figure 3C is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switch device assembly of Figure 3A , according to at least one assembly process embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the components are positioned and fastened.

[0018] Figure 3D is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switch device assembly of Figure 3A , assembled according to at least one assembly process embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 is a method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 is a further method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 is a further method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 is a further method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The terminology used herein for the purpose of describing particular examples is not intended to be limiting for other examples. Whenever a singular word form is used, including herein, including "a", "an" and "the", and only a single element is intended, other examples can also use plural elements to implement the same functionality. Likewise, when functionality is subsequently described as using multiple elements, further examples can implement the same functionality using a single element or processing entity. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, processes, acts, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, acts, elements, components and / or any group thereof.

[0024] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled or via one or more intervening elements. If two elements A and B are combined using an "or", this is to be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e. only A or only B or both A and B. An alternative wording of the same combination is "at least one of A and B". This equally applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0025] Thus, although additional examples can have different modifications and an alternative form, certain particular examples thereof are shown in the drawings and will subsequently be described in detail. The detailed description, however, does not limit the other examples to the particular form described. Other examples can cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. Throughout the description of the drawings, same reference numerals indicate same or similar elements, which can be implemented identically or in a modified form while providing the same or similar functionality when compared to each other.

[0026] To further explain, Figure 3A A diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switch device assembly 300 positioned according to at least one assembly process embodiment of the present disclosure is set forth, the electromechanical switch device assembly 300 comprising a coil yoke 396 having arms 330 with predetermined outwardly curved portions. The arms 330 flare outwardly from a base section 397 of the coil yoke 396 at an angle 377 to the wire 350, which extends perpendicular to a plane 378 formed by the surface of the base section 397.

[0027] In Figure 3AIn the example, the coil yoke surrounds the coil assembly 393, which includes a plunger assembly housing 394 and a coil housing 395. The base section 397 of the coil yoke 396 includes a plurality of holes 352, 354 for retaining the plunger assembly housing 394 and the coil housing 395. The coil housing 395 surrounds the coil 366, and the plunger assembly housing 394 surrounds the plunger assembly having a plunger 301 coupled to a plunger shaft 302. The switching device assembly 300 further includes an upper plate 308 coupled to a flange 303. Figure 3A In the example, the plunger spring 304 is connected between the flange 303 and the plunger 301. The switching device assembly 300 also includes fixed contacts 322, 324 and a movable contact 320. As will be explained further below, the movable contact 320 is configured to form or disconnect the connection between the fixed contacts 322, 324 in response to movement of the plunger assembly.

[0028] exist Figure 3A In the example, a core cavity 391 is formed in the coil assembly 393 between the plunger assembly housing 394 and the coil housing 395. In a particular embodiment of the assembly process, the lower static core 390 is partially inserted into the core cavity 391 of the coil assembly 393, such that a gap 399 exists between the end of the lower static core 390 and the rear portion of the core cavity 391. In this assembled state, the coil assembly 393 is positioned within the coil yoke 396 but not fully inserted, such that a gap 398 exists between the coil assembly 393 and the base section 397 of the coil yoke 396.

[0029] To further explain, Figure 3B The illustrations show at least one embodiment of an assembly process according to the present disclosure. Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the electromechanical switching device assembly 300, wherein the coil yoke arm 330 is compressed. For ease of illustration, in Figure 3B to Figure 3D This does not refer to all parts of the switch assembly 300.

[0030] exist Figure 3B In the example, an external force 360 ​​is applied to the side of the arm 330 of the coil yoke 396, such that the outer surface of the side of the arm 330 of the coil yoke 396 is parallel to the line 350, and the line 350 extends perpendicularly to the plane formed by the surface of the base segment 397.

[0031] To further explain, Figure 3C The illustrations show at least one embodiment of an assembly process according to the present disclosure. Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an electromechanical switching device assembly 300, showing components positioned and secured. Figure 3CIn the example of FIG. 3, an external force 379 is applied to the top of the switch device assembly 300, which causes the coil assembly 393 to be pushed into the coil yoke 396 such that the lower static core 390 is fully inserted into the core cavity 391. For example, the gap 399 between the end of the lower static core 390 and the back of the core cavity 391 is reduced or eliminated. In addition, the gap 398 between the coil assembly 393 and the base section 397 of the coil yoke 396 is reduced or eliminated.

[0032] After the coil assembly is fully pushed into the coil yoke, the arms 330 of the coil yoke 396 are fastened to the upper plate 308, which is coupled to the coil assembly 393. For example, the upper plate and arms of the coil yoke can be laser welded 370 together.

[0033] To further explain, Figure 3D is a diagram illustrating an electromechanical switch device assembly 300 assembled according to at least one assembly process embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the electromechanical switch device assembly 300. In Figure 3D In the fully assembled state of the electromechanical switch device assembly 300, all component tolerances are compensated for, effectively eliminating air gaps in the magnetic circuit path of the electromechanical switch device. By intentionally biasing these components in a correctable direction during assembly, rather than relying solely on manufacturing tolerances for final positioning, the proposed solution enables seamless integration of components during assembly, eliminating compatibility issues in fitting and minimizing air gaps in the magnetic circuit. This approach enhances the magnetic force generated by the coil 366 while maintaining consistent power consumption levels, resulting in optimal performance and reliability in the assembled electromechanical switch device.

[0034] Reference is made to Figure 3A to Figure 3CThe components described in the middle, during operation in the open state, have no current flow between the fixed contacts 322, 324. The plunger spring 304 is configured to exert a preload on the plunger 301 to prevent the plunger assembly from moving to the closed state. In the closed state where the movable contact 320 contacts the fixed contacts 322, 324, current flows between the fixed contacts 322, 324 through the movable contact 320. The movable contact 320 is moved by the plunger assembly. When the coil 366, such as a solenoid actuator, is energized, a magnetic field 380 is created that flows through the magnetic circuit path of the electromechanical switch device assembly. The magnetic field 380 pushes the plunger 301 upward. If this force is greater than the preload from the plunger spring 304, the plunger 301 begins to move toward the flange 303. The plunger 301 and the flange 303 have a corresponding interface that is configured to magnetically attract the flange and the plunger in response to applying current to the coil. The plunger 301 and the plunger push rod 302 drive the movable contact 320 toward the fixed contacts 322, 324 until the movable contact 320 is in the closed position where contact is established between the movable contact 320 and the fixed contacts 322, 324, thus transitioning the switch device assembly 300 from the open state to the closed state. Movement of the plunger 301 compresses the plunger spring 304.

[0035] The coil is positioned such that when the current applied to the coil is removed, the force of the energy stored in the plunger spring drives the plunger away from the flange. That is, when the coil 366 is de-energized, the plunger 301 is driven downward from the force of the energy stored in the compressed plunger spring 304, and the plunger assembly pulls the movable contact 320 downward until the movable contact 320 is in the open position, breaking contact between the movable contact 320 and the fixed contacts 322, 324. In this example, the plunger spring 304 provides sufficient force loading to prevent movement of all the moving parts. To achieve high impact resistance in the closed state, a high retention force is required.

[0036] To further explain, Figure 4 A diagram illustrating a method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is presented. As explained above, assembling an electromechanical switch device can include coupling a plurality of components together. Traditionally, variations introduced in the manufacturing and assembly process inevitably result in the formation of inevitable air gaps between these components. Figure 4 The method of

[0037] Figure 4 The method of Figure 3AAs shown, the coil assembly includes a number of components, such as the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing, among others. In this embodiment, the core cavity is formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing.

[0038] Figure 4 The method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes positioning 404 the coil assembly within the coil yoke. Further, Figure 4 The method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes pushing 406 the coil assembly into the coil yoke such that the lower static core is fully inserted into the core cavity. As Figure 3C shown, an external force can be applied to the top of the switch device that causes the lower static core to be pressed into the base section of the coil yoke, which in turn causes the lower static core to be further inserted into the core cavity. Pushing the top of the switch device also causes the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing to be pressed into the base section of the coil yoke.

[0039] To further explain, Figure 5 is another method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 5 the method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and as Figure 3A shown, the coil yoke has a base section with a number of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing. In Figure 3A the example, the coil yoke also has an arm with a predetermined outward curvature that extends from the base section such that the outer side of the arm flares outward from the base section at an angle to a line that extends perpendicular to a plane formed by the surface of the base section. Figure 5 The example method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure extends Figure 4 the method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure because Figure 5 the method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes applying 502 an external force to the side of the arm of the coil yoke such that the outer surface of the side of the arm of the coil yoke is parallel to a line that extends perpendicular from a plane formed by the surface of the base section. As Figure 3C shown, the external force 360, 379 can be applied to the side of the coil yoke and the top of the switch device to form a configuration that is ready for permanent fastening.

[0040] To further explain, Figure 6 is another method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The example method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure extends Figure 4 the method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure because Figure 6 the method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes fastening 602 the arm of the coil yoke to the upper plate that is coupled to the coil assembly. Fastening 602 the arm of the coil yoke to the upper plate that is coupled to the coil assembly can be performed by welding, applying glue or an adhesive, or any other method of coupling the components of the switch device together.

[0041] To further explain, Figure 7 is another method of assembling an electromechanical switch device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.Figure 7 Exemplary methods of the present disclosure extend Figure 6 the methods of Figure 7 the methods of Figure 3D FIG. 1 illustrates laser welding 370 that couples the upper plate 308 and the arms 330 of the coil yoke 396.

[0042] Advantages and features of the present disclosure can be further described by the following statements:

[0043] 1. A method of assembling an electromechanical switch device, the method comprising: partially inserting a lower static core into a core cavity of a coil assembly, the coil assembly comprising a plurality of components, the plurality of components comprising a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing, the core cavity being formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; positioning the coil assembly within a coil yoke; and pushing the coil assembly into the coil yoke such that the lower static core is fully inserted into the core cavity.

[0044] 2. The method of statement 1, wherein the coil yoke has a base section having a plurality of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; wherein the coil yoke has arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by the surface of the base section.

[0045] 3. The method of statement 1 or 2, further comprising applying an external force to the sides of the arms of the coil yoke such that the outer surfaces of the sides of the arms of the coil yoke are parallel to a line extending perpendicular from the plane formed by the surface of the base section.

[0046] 4. The method of any one of statements 1-3, further comprising fastening the arms of the coil yoke to an upper plate, the upper plate being coupled to the coil assembly.

[0047] 5. The method of any one of statements 1-4, wherein fastening the upper plate to the arms of the coil yoke comprises laser welding the upper plate and the arms of the coil yoke.

[0048] 6. The method of any one of statements 1-5, wherein the coil assembly comprises a solenoid coil surrounding the plunger assembly housing.

[0049] 7. The method of any one of statements 1-6, wherein the upper plate is coupled to a flange that is partially within the plunger assembly housing.

[0050] 8. The method of any one of statements 1-7, wherein the plunger assembly housing surrounds a plunger assembly.

[0051] 9. The method of any of statements 1-8, wherein the plunger assembly includes a plunger rod coupled to the plunger.

[0052] 10. The method of any of statements 1-9, wherein the plunger assembly includes a plunger spring coupled to the flange and the plunger.

[0053] 11. The method of any of statements 1-10, wherein the plunger spring is configured to exert a preload on the plunger to prevent the plunger assembly from moving to a closed state.

[0054] 12. The method of any of statements 1-11, wherein the plunger and the flange have a corresponding interface configured to magnetically attract the flange and the plunger in response to applying an electrical current to the coil of the coil assembly.

[0055] 13. The method of any of statements 1-12, wherein the coil is positioned such that when the electrical current applied to the coil is removed, a force of energy stored in the plunger spring drives the plunger away from the flange.

[0056] 14. The method of any of statements 1-13, wherein the electromechanical switch device further comprises: a plurality of stationary contacts; and a movable contact coupled to the plunger shaft and configured to engage with the plurality of stationary contacts in a closed position.

[0057] 15. An apparatus comprising: a coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing; the coil yoke having arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by a surface of the base section.

[0058] 16. An electromechanical switch device apparatus comprising: a lower static core, a coil assembly, and a coil yoke, the coil assembly comprising a plurality of components, the plurality of components including a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing, the coil assembly including a core cavity for insertion into the lower static core, the core cavity formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing, the coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; the coil yoke having arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by a surface of the base section.

[0059] 17. The apparatus of statement 16, wherein the coil assembly includes a solenoid coil around the plunger assembly housing.

[0060] 18. The apparatus of statement 16 or 17, further comprising a plunger assembly including a plunger shaft coupled to the plunger.

[0061] 19. The device of any of statements 16-18, wherein the plunger assembly includes a plunger spring configured to exert a preload on the plunger to prevent the plunger assembly from moving to the closed state.

[0062] 20. The device of any of statements 16-19, wherein the plunger and flange have a corresponding interface configured to magnetically attract the flange and plunger in response to applying an electrical current to the coil of the coil assembly; and wherein the coil is positioned such that when the electrical current applied to the coil is removed, the force of the energy stored in the plunger spring drives the plunger away from the flange.

[0063] It will be understood from the foregoing description that modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from its true spirit. The descriptions in this specification are for the purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the language of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of assembling an electromechanical switch device, characterized by, The method comprises: partially inserting a lower static core into a core cavity of a coil assembly, the coil assembly comprising a plurality of components including a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing, the core cavity being formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; positioning the coil assembly within a coil yoke; and pushing the coil assembly into the coil yoke such that the lower static core is fully inserted into the core cavity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The coil yoke has a base section with a plurality of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; wherein the coil yoke has arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by a surface of the base section.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises applying an external force to the sides of the arms of the coil yoke such that the outer surfaces of the sides of the arms of the coil yoke are parallel to a line extending perpendicular from a plane formed by a surface of the base section.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises securing the arms of the coil yoke to an upper plate coupled to the coil assembly.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, Securing the upper plate to the arms of the coil yoke comprises laser welding the upper plate and the arms of the coil yoke.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The coil assembly comprises a solenoid around the plunger assembly housing.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein, The upper plate is coupled to a flange partially located within the plunger assembly housing.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The plunger assembly housing surrounds a plunger assembly.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The plunger assembly comprises a plunger shaft coupled to a plunger.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The plunger assembly comprises a plunger spring coupled to the flange and the plunger.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The plunger spring is configured to apply a preload on the plunger to prevent the plunger assembly from moving to a closed state.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, The plunger and the flange have a corresponding interface configured to magnetically attract the flange and the plunger in response to applying a current to a coil of the coil assembly.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The coil is positioned such that when the current applied to the coil is removed, a force of energy stored in the plunger spring drives the plunger away from the flange.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein, The electromechanical switch device further comprises: a plurality of stationary contacts; and a movable contact coupled to a plunger shaft and configured to engage the plurality of stationary contacts in a closed position.

15. An apparatus, comprising: The apparatus comprises: a coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing; the coil yoke having arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by a surface of the base section.

16. An electromechanical switching device apparatus, characterized by The electromechanical switch device apparatus comprises: a lower static core; a coil assembly comprising a plurality of components including a plunger assembly housing and a coil housing, the coil assembly comprising a core cavity for insertion of the lower static core, the core cavity being formed by the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; and a coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; wherein the coil yoke has arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by a surface of the base section. A coil yoke having a base section with a plurality of holes for holding the plunger assembly housing and the coil housing; the coil yoke having arms extending from the base section such that the outer sides of the arms flare outwardly from the base section at an angle to a line extending perpendicular to a plane formed by a surface of the base section.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The coil assembly includes a solenoid coil surrounding the plunger assembly housing.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The device further includes a plunger assembly including a plunger shaft coupled to a plunger.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The plunger assembly includes a plunger spring configured to apply a pre-load on the plunger to prevent the plunger assembly from moving to a closed state.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The plunger and flange have a corresponding interface configured to magnetically attract the flange and the plunger in response to applying a current to a coil of the coil assembly; and wherein the coil is positioned such that when the current applied to the coil is removed, a force of energy stored in a plunger spring drives the plunger away from the flange.

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