Magnetic Lock

[Johnboi_117]

Are magnetic locks legal, or are there rules against using them?


John, 2474

[MrForbes]

Is that like an electromagnetic solenoid? If so then it the rule book mentions it.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=79928

has more info.

[Johnboi_117]

No, there is no solenoid involed. Its just an electric magnetic lock. Like what they use to lock doors.


John, 2474

[MrForbes]

It is an electromagnet, right?

I didn't see anything in the rules about electromagnets, so perhaps you could ask on the Q&A. Since solenoids are prohibited, and an electromagnet is half a solenoid, it might not be allowed. Apparently they were allowed in 2008.

[Johnboi_117]

Ok thanks, I'll do some more research.

[Vikesrock]

This Q&A may be pertinent:
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13979

[mikeleslie]

Are these automotive locks or building locks, and just out of curiosity, who uses just magnets. Most of the locks I know of use motors of some type, and some ones from the 40's through 60's use either vacum or hydraulics...but them I'm dating myself.

[rwood359]

Originally Posted by mikeleslie

Are these automotive locks or building locks, and just out of curiosity, who uses just magnets. Most of the locks I know of use motors of some type, and some ones from the 40's through 60's use either vacum or hydraulics...but them I'm dating myself.

We used locks like these for years with no break-in problems.
http://www.maglocks.com/magnetic_locking.htm
Key cards instead of keys. Full audit trail of entry and exit. Battery backup for power fail. Security system locks and unlocks on programmed schedule.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

John,
Please ask the question on the Q&A. It will make the job of your inspector a little easier. In the past, if the magnet part attracted(moved) another part, it was considered to be a solenoid and not legal. If you are thinking of using this for a mechanism that would lock you into a hang position then remember that the robot is disabled at the end of the match and power to the device would be removed.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

... if the magnet part attracted(moved) another part, it was considered to be a solenoid and not legal

what if it just held another part in place, once that part had already moved into position via some other force.



~

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Ether

what if it just held another part in place, once that part had already moved into position via some other force.



~

The Q&A has ruled. http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=14093

It is legal for that specific use, provided that it doesn't violate other rules.