Patent ID: 6943657

Claim:
A solenoid assembly comprising: a solenoid frame extending between a first end and a second end; a primary plate disposed adjacent said first end of said solenoid frame, said primary plate including a flux concentrating cylinder extending out therefrom; a secondary plate disposed adjacent said second end of said solenoid frame; a bobbin disposed within said solenoid frame between said primary and secondary plates, said bobbin having a wire coil disposed thereon and defining a core, wherein said core is hollow, said wire coil receiving an electric current to induce a magnetic field thereabout; and a plunger extendable through a portion of said core of said bobbin and movable at a defined force with respect thereto in response to changes in said magnetic field, said plunger including a flux extension feature extending out therefrom coaxially with said plunger, said flux extension feature including a reduced diameter relief portion cut out of an outside diameter of said flux extension feature to change the force created by said plunger as it moves through said core.