Abstract:
A two-stage fluid control valve includes a first stage mechanical control valve movable between an open position and a leak-free closed position, and a second stage microvalve configured to control the flow of fluid through a fluid outlet of the two-stage fluid control valve when the first stage mechanical control valve is in the open position.
Abstract:
A valve assembly is configured to regulate the flow of an isolated fluid therethrough and includes a first valve stage configured to control the flow of a first fluid through a first fluid circuit, and a second valve stage configured to control the flow of a second fluid through a second fluid circuit. The first valve stage is connected to the second valve stage such that the first fluid acts on the second valve stage to move the second valve stage between open and closed positions. The second fluid flowing through the second valve stage is also isolated from the first fluid flowing through the first valve stage.
Abstract:
A hybrid spool valve includes a body having a longitudinal bore. The bore has a fluid inlet chamber in fluid communication with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet chamber in fluid communication with a fluid outlet port. A spool is slidably mounted in the bore and is movable between a fully open position, a fully closed position, and a plurality of partially open positions. A pilot microvalve is mounted within the bore and is configured to control the sliding movement of the spool by varying the flow of fluid therethrough. A seal is disposed in a groove formed in an outside surface of the spool such that when the spool is in the fully closed position the seal engages a wall of the bore, and when the spool is the fully open position or one of the partially open positions the seal does not engage the bore.
Abstract:
A method of cleaning contaminants, including particulate contaminants, from a valve in a fluid system includes moving a valve flow control element of the valve from a first position to a second position in response to a change in a condition in the fluid system other than a change in superheat.
Abstract:
A hybrid spool valve includes a body having a longitudinal bore. The bore has a fluid inlet chamber in fluid communication with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet chamber in fluid communication with a fluid outlet port. A spool is slidably mounted in the bore and is movable between a fully open position, a fully closed position, and a plurality of partially open positions. A pilot microvalve is mounted within the bore and is configured to control the sliding movement of the spool by varying the flow of fluid therethrough. A seal is disposed in a groove formed in an outside surface of the spool such that when the spool is in the fully closed position the seal engages a wall of the bore, and when the spool is the fully open position or one of the partially open positions the seal does not engage the bore.
Abstract:
An adjustable shock absorber includes a housing defining an enclosed working space. A wall is formed in the working space and separates the working space into first and second fluid chambers. A compression valve is formed in the wall and a microvalve is attached to the compression valve and is operable to control fluid flow through the compression valve.
Abstract:
A spool assembly configured for use in a two-stage proportional control valve in a fluid system includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having an axially extending sleeve bore extending from an open first end to an open second end. A spool includes a spool bore that extends from an open first axial end to a closed second axial end and is slidably mounted within the sleeve bore. The spool further includes a first circumferentially extending groove defining a fluid flow path, a second circumferentially extending groove formed near a first end thereof, a third circumferentially extending groove formed near the second axial end thereof, a circumferentially extending pressure groove formed therein between the second axial end and the third circumferentially extending groove, and first, second, and third transverse fluid passageways formed through a side wall of the spool.
Abstract:
A method of controlling fluid flow through a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) system includes measuring temperature and pressure at an outlet of an evaporator of the HVAC-R system, wherein the evaporator is in fluid communication with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device between the evaporator and the condenser, and a flow control valve between the compressor and the condenser, and measuring a sub-cooling temperature at an outlet of the condenser. The measured evaporator temperature and pressure data is sent to a first superheat processor, and the measured sub-cooling temperature data is send to a second superheat processor. A control signal to the expansion device from the first superheat processor and a control signal to the flow control valve from the second superheat processor are then simultaneously sent.
Abstract:
A method of attaching a MEMS die to a mounting surface includes coating an inside surface of a pressure port of a fluid inlet member with a layer of solder mask, the fluid inlet member having a first axial end, a second axial end, and a port opening of the pressure port formed in the second axial end of the fluid inlet member. A solder preform is disposed on the mounting surface of the fluid inlet member and a MEMS die is disposed on the solder preform. The solder preform is heated in a re-flow operation to attach the MEMS die to the mounting surface, wherein the solder mask within the pressure port prevents molten solder from entering the pressure port during the re-flow operation.
Abstract:
A system for controlling fluid pressure to a transmission system through a MEMS microvalve includes a transmission controller configured to receive a target command pressure, a current system command pressure input signal, and a transmission system operating temperature. A power determination module determines a temperature-related power factor from the target command pressure, the current system command pressure input signal, the transmission system operating temperature received in the controller, and a look-up table within the controller. A power signal module adjusts the current system command pressure input signal by the temperature-related power factor and applies the adjusted current system command pressure input signal to the MEMS microvalve via the controller.