Abstract:
A microvalve device includes a pilot valve and a pilot operated valve. The pilot valve includes a first layer having openings and a second layer having a chamber in communication with the openings, and a movable member for controlling fluid flow. The pilot operated valve includes three plates. Two the openings, and pressure apply and release channels in communication with a spool portion of the pilot operated valve. The spool is movable to allow from a second fluid source to a load. The third plate includes a first source port in communication with a first fluid, the pressure apply and release channel, one of the first plate ports, one of the openings, a first port in communication with a first reservoir, a second port is in communication with the second fluid source and a load port in communication with a load.
Abstract:
A device is disclosed for controlling a variable displacement compressor. The device comprises a microvalve operated control valve. A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow and a micro spool valve for use as a microvalve are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method for forming a microvalve is disclosed. The method includes providing a first silicon layer (12) and a second silicon layer (14), etching the second silicon layer to form a slider portion (40), coating a coating material onto the slider portion (40), bonding the first silicon layer (12) to the second silicon layer (14), wherein the coating material separates the slider portion (40) from the first silicon layer (12) and prevent the slider portion (40) from bonding to the first silicon layer (12).
Abstract:
A method for forming a micromachined device is disclosed that includes providing a first silicon layer and a second silicon layer. A portion of the second silicon layer is etched to form a slider portion and a layer portion. The slider portion is movable relative to the layer portion. A portion of the first silicon layer is coated with a coating material that has a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the slider portion. The first silicon layer is then positioned over the second silicon layer such that the coated portion of the first silicon layers substantially aligned with the slider portion of the second silicon layer. A bonding operation is performed to bond the first silicon layer to the second silicon layer. The coating material separates the slider portion from the first silicon layer during the bonding operation to prevent the slider portion from bonding with the first layer. This method can also be implemented by selectively coating portions of the first silicon layer with a coating that will enhance or cause bonding only in areas adjacent to the coating material. A hybrid process whereby one material is placed in portions of the first silicon layer to prevent bonding and a second material is placed in other portions of the first silicon layer to enhance or cause bonding is also possible.
Abstract:
A microvalve device includes a microvalve pilot valve and a pilot operated valve. The microvalve pilot valve includes a first layer, a third layer having a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and a second layer positioned between the first and third layer. The second layer includes a chamber in fluid communication with the openings, and includes a movable member for selectively controlling fluid flow though the chamber and between the openings. The pilot operated valve includes a first plate, a third plate, and a second plate positioned between the first plate and the third plate. The first plate includes a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the openings of the microvalve, a pressure apply channel, and a pressure release channel. The second plate includes the pressure apply channel and the pressure release channel, both of the channels being in fluid communication with a spool portion of the pilot operated valve. The spool portion is selectively movable to allow flow from a second source of fluid to a load. The third plate includes a first source port in fluid communication with a first fluid source, the pressure apply channel, one of the first plate ports, and one of the microvalve openings. A first reservoir port of the third plate ports, and one of the microvalve openings. A first reservoir port of the third plate is in fluid communication with a first reservoir, the pressure release channel, one of the first plate ports, and one of the microvalve openings. A second source port of the third plate is in fluid communication with the second source of fluid. A load port of the third plate is in fluid communication with the load.
Abstract:
A system and method for controlling the displacement of a variable displacement compressor by feeding back crankcase pressure as part of a control scheme is disclosed.