A process component includes a first connection, a second connection, and an adjusting element arranged in a hollow space fluidically connecting the first connection to the second connection and that can be brought into a first position and second position in an axial direction within the hollow space. The component includes a permanent magnet, a first electrical coil, and a second electrical coil arranged in succession in the axial direction to create a simple process component whose size can be effectively scaled. The magnet, adjusting element, and a yoke form a first closed magnetic circuit in the first position and a second closed magnetic circuit in the second position. The first and second coil respectively compensate for the first circuit and the second circuit. The hollow space and adjusting element are shaped such that the valve can be penetrated by a fluid flow formed between the first and second connections.

A fabric item may have control circuitry and input-output devices. A fabric haptic output device may be formed in the fabric item. The fabric haptic output device may be based on an electromagnetic fabric actuator, a piezoelectric fabric actuator, or other actuator formed from fabric. The fabric actuator may have a permanent magnet portion and an electromagnet portion. During operation, signals supplied to a coil in the electromagnet portion may create a magnetic field that moves the permanent magnet portion. Fabric support structures may be used to support an electromagnet or permanent magnet. Fabric springs may be coupled between the fabric support structures and the electromagnet or permanent magnet. The fabric of the support structures, magnetic structures, and springs may be incorporated into a wearable fabric structure, part of a cover or case for a device, a housing structure such as a housing wall, or other fabric structure.

An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator and a movable element. The movable element is attracted from a stroke start position to a stroke end position in a predetermined stroke in an axial direction by magnetic force generated between the stator and the movable element when a coil is energized. The stator includes a first stator located adjacent to the movable element at the stroke start position and a second stator located closer to the movable element at the stroke end position than at the stroke start position. The movable element includes a tapered portion that has a diameter becoming smaller toward the second stator and a protrusion that protrudes from an end surface of the movable element close to the second stator.

In an electromagnetic actuator having a housing, two ferromagnetic pole shoes are distanced from each other and are rigidly connected to the housing. A mobile structure, which can be moved in the housing along an axis between two end positions, is arranged between the pole shoes, includes at least one magnet system, and is connected to a shaft that is axially displaceable in the housing. The magnet system includes at least one arrangement of at least one permanent magnet polarized radially with respect to the axis, and an annular coil connectable to a current source. The magnet system forms, together with the pole shoes, an air gap system having axially variable air gaps. The mobile structure is securable in each end position without excitation of the coil and is movable from one assumed end position into the opposite end position by excitation of the coil.

A process component includes a first connection, a second connection, and an adjusting element arranged in a hollow space fluidically connecting the first connection to the second connection and that can be brought into a first position and second position in an axial direction within the hollow space. The component includes a permanent magnet, a first electrical coil, and a second electrical coil arranged in succession in the axial direction to create a simple process component whose size can be effectively scaled. The magnet, adjusting element, and a yoke form a first closed magnetic circuit in the first position and a second closed magnetic circuit in the second position. The first and second coil respectively compensate for the first circuit and the second circuit. The hollow space and adjusting element are shaped such that the valve can be penetrated by a fluid flow formed between the first and second connections.

An alignment member for a solenoid is provided. The solenoid includes a housing, a solenoid coil arranged within the housing, a first pole piece arranged within the housing, a second pole piece arranged at least partially within the housing, and a disk. The alignment member includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a center portion that defines a center portion diameter that is less than a diameter defined by the first end and the second end.

A haptic electromagnetic actuator for track pad is provided. The actuator includes an array of electromagnets with alternating South and North poles on a first end, each magnet comprising a metal core and an electrical wire around the metal core. The array of magnets is coupled to a base plate on a second end opposite to the first end. The actuator also includes an attraction plate at a distance from the first end of the array of the magnets such that the attraction plate moves toward the magnets when an electrical current flows through the electrical wire around the metal core and moves away from the magnets when the current becomes zero. The array of magnets is configured to form a uniform gap from the attraction plate.

A solenoid assembly is provided that includes male and female plungers and an electromagnetic coil configured to be energized to create a magnetic flux. Each plunger has a plunger face, where the female plunger face is configured to correspond with the male plunger face. The male plunger has a plurality of angled plunger steps that define the male plunger face, each angled plunger step including a corner having an angle in the range of 95 degrees to 115 degrees. The female plunger face has a similar, corresponding angled face. The solenoid assembly is suitable for use as a long stroke linear solenoid.

A solenoid assembly is provided that includes male and female plungers and an electromagnetic coil configured to be energized to create a magnetic flux. Each plunger has a plunger face, where the female plunger face is configured to correspond with the male plunger face. The male plunger has a plurality of angled plunger steps that define the male plunger face, each angled plunger step including a corner having an angle in the range of 95 degrees to 115 degrees. The female plunger face has a similar, corresponding angled face. The solenoid assembly is suitable for use as a long stroke linear solenoid.

A haptic actuator may include a housing, coils carried within the housing, and a field member moveable within the housing between the coils and including at least one permanent magnet. A controller may be coupled to the coils and configured to sense a respective back electromotive force (EMF) value of each of the coils and determine a position of the field member in dimensions based upon the back EMF values and motor constant values.