I want to apply constant force to a rod such that it will push against a spring with about 1/2 an inch of displacement. I’m considering using the magnetic field produced by an inductor to apply the force, but I think the magnetic field will deteriorate too much over that distance if I’m simply pushing a magnet along a guide.
What I’m considering instead, and unsure about, is putting the (magnetized?) rod in the core of the inductor so that force would be applied by the magnetic field consistently as long as the rod never left the core of the inductor. However, it’s been a long time since I’ve worked with electromagnetics and I’m not sure that would actually work at all.
Does anyone have experience and know whether or not my idea makes sense? If not, any suggestions for alternatives? I want to make this compact, so I’m not using a servo. Thanks!