The posted queston:
Is it legal to use a 12 volt electromagnet that is attached to a winch or ball screw driven by a KOP motor to move the magnet vertically or horizontally to attach to a piece metal to be pulled and released? The magnet is not being used to create any motion just to lock onto the piece of metal. The components, piece of metal and magnet, will be moved by another motor included in the KOP. Then the magnet will release the piece of metal. Is this legal according to rules, R02, R03, R52, R53, R71, R72, and all others?
The posted response:
There is no rule that would prohibit this.
This confuses our team even further. Electric solenoids are not allowed according to the rules, R53. Since the GDC will not provide a definition for an electric solenoid, from reading all the questions and responses we can only determine that an electric solenoid is a device that contains an electric magnet that when energized or de-energized, causes movement of another metallic object.
Devices that cause a pin to move are solenoids, devices that cause a clutch plate to attract and lock to the magnet are solenoids, it seems like every question concerning electric magnets and movement are solenoids.
So, why is this type of use allowed? A magnetic is being energized and de-energized and causing a piece of metal to move. Causing non-movement is the same as causing movement. A magnetic force is being applied to cause some motion to happen or not happen.
We just do not understand how this device is not a solenoid by definition and how Rule 53 does not apply.


