Solenoid having an elastomeric retaining device and method of manufacturing same without potting

A electrical solenoid, comprising:

• a housing comprising a mounting base and a cover, the mounting base having a sidewall terminating in an annular planar mounting surface, the cover having electrical terminals for electrical communication with an external electrical control;
• a lamination stack in the housing surrounded by the sidewall, the lamination stack having first and second ends;
• a wire coil assembly arranged about the lamination stack, the wire coil assembly having electrical leads electrically connected to the electrical terminals of the housing;
• a pre-formed elastomeric retaining device of an elastomeric material between the housing and the lamination stack for axial retention of the lamination stack;
• wherein the first end of the lamination stack projects outside of the housing breaking the plane of the annular planar mounting surface, the first end of the lamination stack aligning coplanar with the planar mating surface when an axial force is applied against the end of the lamination stack thereby compressing elastomeric retaining web.

An electrical solenoid for controlling position of an apparatus, the apparatus having a mounting surface for supporting the electrical solenoid, comprising:

• a housing including a generally cylindrical mounting base having mounts for facilitating fastening, and a cover enclosing a first end of the mounting base, the mounting base including an planar second end adapted to mate against the mounting surface;
• electrical terminals mounted in the cover for electrical connection to an external electrical control;
• a lamination stack having three legs including an intermediate leg between outer legs;
• a wire coil assembly comprising a bobbin upon which a coil of wire is wound, a coil overmold substantially encapsulating the coil of wire, and electrical leads, the coil assembly arranged over the intermediate leg, the electrical leads being electrically connected to the electrical terminals;
• a pre-formed elastomeric retaining web of an elastomeric material disposed axially between the lamination stack and the housing, the lamination stack having an end portion projecting past the second end of the housing;
• and
• wherein when the electrical solenoid is mounted to the fluid control apparatus with the second end in mating contact with the mounting surface the end portion of the lamination stack retracts placing the elastomeric retaining web in compression thereby biasing the lamination stack against the mounting surface.