Patent ID: 8503152

Claim:
A solenoid actuator for use on a printed circuit board for actuating a mechanically actuatable device, the solenoid actuator comprising: a bobbin comprising a hollow bore; at least one wire coil wound about the bobbin for generating a magnetic field when electrically energized; an armature disposed within the hollow bore and moveable between first and second positions within the bore under a motive force of the magnetic field by selectively energizing the at least one wire coil; a plurality of support posts projecting from the bobbin, the support posts being configured for securing the solenoid actuator to a printed circuit board having driver circuitry for providing electrical power for the solenoid actuator; and at least some of the support posts being formed of an electrically conductive material for terminating respective wire ends of the at least one coil, thereby providing both a mechanical connection of the solenoid actuator to the printed circuit board for affixedly mounting the solenoid actuator on the printed circuit board and electrical connections between the ends of the at least one coil and the driver circuitry on the printed circuit board for conducting electrical power from the printed circuit board to the ends of the coil to generate a magnetic field for moving the armature.