초록 ▼

A device for metering pressurized fluid in proportion to a supplied input signal to a solenoid provides non-proportional magnetic flux rectified by a piece-wise non-linear spring assembly. The non-linear spring assembly includes a pair of flexure springs each with four independent spring fingers. Th

A device for metering pressurized fluid in proportion to a supplied input signal to a solenoid provides non-proportional magnetic flux rectified by a piece-wise non-linear spring assembly. The non-linear spring assembly includes a pair of flexure springs each with four independent spring fingers. The spring fingers supply a plurality of piece-wise forces opposing movement of the armature caused by magnetic flux generated by an electromatic coil to provide a non-proportional opposing force the non-proportional force of the magnetic flux. This allows the metering valve to be moved, and thereby fluid metered, in proportion to the input signal supplied to the coil. A position transducer can be coupled the armature to provide valve position feedback to an electronic control unit for correcting deviations in the actual position of the valve.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for accurate metering of fluid, comprising:a housing defining a valve chamber in fluid communication with an inlet port and an outlet port; an electromagnet coil disposed within the housing that when energized by an input signal generates magnetic flux; an armature translatable along a s

1. A device for accurate metering of fluid, comprising:a housing defining a valve chamber in fluid communication with an inlet port and an outlet port; an electromagnet coil disposed within the housing that when energized by an input signal generates magnetic flux; an armature translatable along a stroke axis toward the coil by a force induced by the magnetic flux; a metering valve movable along the stroke axis by the armature; and a piece-wise non-linear spring communicating with the armature and having a plurality of spring fingers extending radially with respect to the stroke axis to independently engage between the armature and a stationary structure at different points as the armature is translated along the stroke axis so as to provide a summing of forces from each spring finger acting on the armature counter to the force induced by the magnetic flux so that the positioning of the metering valve is more nearly a linear function of the input signal to the coil.