US20020100508A1 - Magnetically actuated valve system - Google Patents
Magnetically actuated valve system Download PDFInfo
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- US20020100508A1 US20020100508A1 US09/771,150 US77115001A US2002100508A1 US 20020100508 A1 US20020100508 A1 US 20020100508A1 US 77115001 A US77115001 A US 77115001A US 2002100508 A1 US2002100508 A1 US 2002100508A1
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- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- sealing structure
- assembly
- sealing
- closed position
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/10—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with two or more closure members not moving as a unit
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02K—JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02K9/00—Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof
- F02K9/42—Rocket-engine plants, i.e. plants carrying both fuel and oxidant therefor; Control thereof using liquid or gaseous propellants
- F02K9/44—Feeding propellants
- F02K9/56—Control
- F02K9/58—Propellant feed valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/87153—Plural noncommunicating flow paths
- Y10T137/87161—With common valve operator
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/87917—Flow path with serial valves and/or closures
- Y10T137/87981—Common actuator
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to a magnetically actuated valve system and more specifically to a magnetically actuated valve system in which at least two solenoid valves are actuated by a single electromagnetic actuator.
- a first propellant flows through an upstream valve to a downstream valve such that the first propellant will be directed into contact with a second propellant (oxidizer) flowing through a second upstream valve to a second downstream valve within a thruster portion of an engine or the like, whereby the combined propellant will be ignited.
- the flow of each of the first and second propellants is simultaneously controlled and maintained in the correct proportions by a single magnetic circuit actuating two magnetically linked valves, each housed in a manifold assembly.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,443,585, 3,472,277 and 4,223,698 disclose various magnetically actuated valve systems wherein a single electromagnetic excitation will actuate each of two valve members, each of which serves its own pressure-fluid flow.
- a permanent magnet is the common middle element of two separate solenoid-actuated magnetic circuits. Excitation of one solenoid opens both valves; excitation of the other solenoid closes both valves; and the permanent magnet holds the actuated condition of both valves.
- the '277 and '698 patents each disclose an electromagnetic actuating system wherein a single solenoid coil actuates two magnetically linked valves to open condition, against the preload of springs to load valve members in the valve-closing direction. In all cases, construction is highly specialized and complex, leading to unduly expensive products.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,876 discloses an electromagnetically actuated multiple-valve construction within a single welded housing which contains each of two series-connected valves and a single magnetic circuit for concurrently operating an upstream and a downstream valve.
- the magnetically actuated valve system comprises a first conduit and a second conduit.
- a first sealing structure is moveable in response to a magnetic force to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the first conduit.
- a second sealing structure is moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the second conduit.
- a magnetic actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.
- FIG. 1 is a cross section of a magnetically actuated valve system taken along the line 1 - 1 of FIG. 3 with the power removed;
- FIG. 2 is a cross section of the magnetically actuated valve system similar to FIG. 1, but with the power applied;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the magnetically actuated valve system embodying the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the magnetically actuated valve system shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an S-spring of the magnetically actuated valve system shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross section similar to FIG. 1 showing an upstream fuel valve and an upstream oxidizer valve with the power removed;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section similar to FIG. 6 showing the upstream fuel valve and the upstream oxidizer valve, but with the power applied;
- FIG. 8 is a farther enlarged cross section of the magnetically actuated valve system similar to FIG. 6 showing the upstream fuel valve.
- FIG. 9 is a further enlarged cross section similar to FIG. 8 showing the downstream fuel valve of the magnetically actuated valve system
- FIGS. 1 - 9 show a preferred embodiment of a magnetically actuated valve system of the present invention.
- the magnetically actuated valve system comprises a first conduit, generally indicated at 10 and a second conduit generally indicated at 11 for providing fluid flowpaths for a fuel and an oxidizer, respectively.
- Fuel conduit 10 is machined or etched into a fuel manifold assembly, generally indicated at 12 , to provide the fuel flowpath and has sealing structures 28 , 30 disposed therein.
- Oxidizer conduit 11 is machined or etched into an oxidizer manifold assembly, generally indicated at 14 , to provide the oxidizer flowpath and has sealing structures 36 , 38 disposed therein.
- Each manifold assembly 12 , 14 can be formed in the manner disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/257,186, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Magnetic solenoid actuators 48 , 50 are disposed within a magnetic actuator assembly housing structure, generally indicated at 16 .
- Magnetic solenoid actuator 48 is constructed and arranged to exert a magnetic force on sealing structures 28 , 36 to substantially simultaneously actuate the same in opposite directions relative to one another.
- Magnetic solenoid actuator 50 is constructed and arranged to exert a magnetic force on sealing structures 30 , 38 to substantially simultaneously actuate the same in opposite directions relative to one another.
- Fuel manifold assembly 12 and oxidizer manifold assembly 14 are of identical construction and are similarly described hereinbelow.
- Fuel manifold assembly 12 includes a pair of valve seats 24 , 26 machined therein, by standard machining techniques, diffusion bonding or electron beam welding, to define an upstream and a downstream fuel valve, respectively.
- Valve seats 24 , 26 are configured and positioned at inlets 91 , 95 of the upstream and the downstream fuel valves, respectively.
- oxidizer manifold assembly 14 comprises a pair of valve seats 32 , 34 machined therein, by standard machining techniques, diffusion bonding or electron beam welding, to define an upstream and a downstream oxidizer valve, respectively.
- valve seats 24 , 26 and 32 , 34 are configured and positioned at each inlet 101 , 105 of the upstream and downstream oxidizer valves, respectively.
- magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 comprises a pair of circumferentially extending magnetic actuator assembly receiving portions 40 integral with one another. Each circumferentially extending magnetic actuator assembly receiving portion 40 provides a groove 41 for carrying a sealing structure 46 , with each groove 41 positioned on the opposite longitudinal ends of each magnetic actuator assembly receiving portion 40 . As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of generally tubular fastener receiving portions 42 integrally extends from each magnetic actuator assembly receiving portion 40 . Each fastener receiving portion 42 has one threaded fastener receiving orifice 44 a on one longitudinal end thereof and another threaded fastener receiving orifice (not shown) on the opposite longitudinal end thereof. Magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 preferably is made of a low magnetic flux capacity material. It may be preferable to for magnetic actuator housing structure 16 to be made from aluminum or titanium. Housing structure 16 may be cast, forged or machined.
- the magnetic actuator assembly comprises upstream magnetic solenoid actuator 48 and downstream magnetic solenoid 50 .
- Upstream magnetic solenoid actuator 48 moves the fuel sealing structure 28 and the oxidizer sealing structure 36 to a power applied, open position.
- downstream magnetic solenoid 50 moves fuel sealing structure 30 and oxidizer sealing structure 38 to a power applied, open position.
- Magnetic solenoid actuators 48 , 50 are installed within magnetic actuator assembly receiving portions 40 of magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 .
- Upstream and downstream magnetic solenoid actuators 48 , 50 comprise solenoid cases 52 , each of which generally surrounds a centrally positioned solenoid core 54 .
- Each solenoid core 54 extends through a conductive coil 56 , for example of copper, such that each conductive coil 56 is generally surrounded by solenoid case 52 on their radial exterior. It is contemplated that the two magnetic solenoid actuators 48 , 50 may be operated independently or coupled electrically in series or parallel to normally operate substantially simultaneously, as further described below.
- Isolation caps 58 a , 58 b , 58 c , 58 d engage opposite longitudinal sides of magnetic solenoid actuators 48 , 50 , respectively, to retain each magnetic solenoid actuator 48 , 50 within one of circumferentially extending magnetic actuator assembly receiving portions 40 of magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 .
- Isolation caps 58 a , 58 c are welded to fuel manifold assembly 12 .
- Isolation caps 58 b , 58 d are welded to oxidizer manifold assembly 14 .
- Isolation caps 58 a , 58 b , 58 c , 58 d may be made from titanium or any other low flux capacity material capable of exposure to the propellants and suitable for being welded to manifolds 12 , 14 .
- Fuel sealing structure 28 includes a fuel armature member 64 , an S-spring 68 and a sealing portion 72 .
- Fuel sealing structure 30 is disposed downstream from fuel sealing structure 28 and includes a downstream fuel armature member 66 positioned downstream from upstream fuel armature member 64 , an S-spring 70 and a sealing portion 74 .
- S-springs 68 , 70 bias sealing structures 28 , 30 in closed positions to prevent fuel flow through first conduit 10 .
- Fuel sealing structures 28 , 30 are enclosed within fuel manifold 12 by isolation caps 58 a , 58 c.
- oxidizer sealing structure 36 includes an oxidizer armature member 76 , an S-spring 80 and a sealing portion 84 .
- Oxidizer sealing structure 38 is disposed downstream from oxidizer sealing structure 36 and includes a downstream oxidizer armature member 78 positioned downstream from upstream oxidizer armature member 76 , an S-spring 82 and a sealing portion 86 .
- S-springs 80 , 82 bias sealing structures 36 , 38 into closed positions to prevent oxidizer flow through second conduit 11 .
- Oxidizer sealing structures 36 , 38 are enclosed within oxidizer manifold 14 by isolation caps 58 b , 58 d.
- fuel and oxidizer manifold assemblies 12 , 14 it might be preferable for fuel and oxidizer manifold assemblies 12 , 14 to include a plurality of diffusion bonded layers of sheet material, for example of titanium, having conduits 10 , 11 etched therein to provide passageways for fuel and oxidizer respectively in the manner disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/257,186.
- Various fuels and oxidizers could be used within fuel and oxidizer manifold assemblies 12 , 14 ; however, the preferred fuel used in fuel manifold assembly 12 is monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and the preferred oxidizer used in oxidizer manifold assembly 14 is nitrogen tetroxide (N 2 O 4 ).
- MMH monomethylhydrazine
- N 2 O 4 nitrogen tetroxide
- the fuel may flow through fuel manifold assembly 12 and oxidizer may flow through oxidizer manifold assembly 14 in a liquid or gaseous state.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing S-spring 68 , but could be representative of any other S-spring 70 , 80 or 82 .
- S-springs 68 , 70 , 80 and 82 are preferably flat discs having interior walls 69 defining serpentine slots therein.
- the interior walls 69 are circumferentially positioned around S-springs 68 , 70 , 80 and 82 in interposing relation between an inner section 71 of each S-spring 68 , 70 , 80 and 82 and an outer rim 73 of the same S-spring 68 , 70 , 80 and 82 .
- S-springs 68 , 70 , 80 and 82 may be made from ductile, high strength materials with low magnetic flux capacity such as 316L CRES, or 17-4 PH CRES. It is contemplated that disc springs, leaf springs or other spring members may be capable of biasing sealing members 28 , 30 , 36 , 38 against valve seats 24 , 26 , 32 , 34 , respectively.
- the deflection and preload force of S-springs 68 , 70 , 80 and 82 is permanently set by the thickness of spacing shim stack 88 a .
- Shim stack 88 b is used to adjust isolation caps 58 a , 58 c and 58 b , 58 d to a position flush with manifold assembly 12 , 14 , respectively.
- fuel manifold assembly 12 and oxidizer manifold assembly 14 further comprise an inlet 90 a , 90 b , a main body portion 92 a , 92 b and a thruster interface port 94 a , 94 b , respectively.
- Inlet 90 a which is preferably tubular or a thread fitting, extends integrally and is welded to main body portion 92 a .
- inlet 90 b which is preferably tubular or a thread fitting, extends integrally and is welded to main body portion 92 b .
- Inlets 90 a , 90 b are preferably made from titanium, but could be any other suitable low flux capacity material for maintaining fuel and oxidizer in separate flowpaths.
- Inlets 90 a , 90 b have an etched disc, diffusion buffed or similar inlet filter 96 a , 96 b and an inlet plug 97 a , 97 b , respectively, installed therein.
- inlet plug 97 a is welded within conduit 10 between inlet 91 and outlet 93 of the upstream fuel valve.
- inlet plug 97 b is welded within conduit 11 between inlet 101 and outlet 103 of the upstream oxidizer valve.
- Main body portion 92 a of fuel manifold assembly 12 has conduit 10 etched or machined therein and main body portion 92 b of oxidizer manifold assembly 14 has conduit 11 etched or machined therein.
- a pair of circumferentially raised walls 98 a , 98 b integrally extends from each main body portion 92 a , 92 b and may have edges spaced from one another, as best shown for the pair of raised walls 98 b in FIG. 4.
- Each pair of raised walls 98 a , 98 b defines armature receiving spaces, of which only spaces 99 b are shown in FIG. 4.
- Raised walls 98 a , 98 b could be separate from main body portions 92 a , 92 b , respectively, and positioned in abutting relation thereto to define armature receiving spaces 99 a , 99 b , respectively.
- a pair of fastener receiving openings 100 a , 100 b integrally extends from opposite sides of main body portions 92 a , 92 b , respectively.
- a pair of mounting openings 104 a and 104 b passes through main body portions 92 a , 92 b on opposite sides of respective thruster interface ports 94 a , 94 b for mounting fuel and oxidizer manifold assemblies 12 , 14 to the thruster.
- Thruster interface ports 94 a , 94 b are disposed on the opposite longitudinal ends of each manifold assembly 12 , 14 from respective inlets 90 a , 90 b.
- Upstream and downstream fuel armature members 64 , 66 and upstream and downstream oxidizer armature members 76 , 78 are preferably flat discs made from high flux capacity material that is compatible with the propellants such as corrosion resistant steel (CRES), for example of XM-27 CRES, and are resistance welded to S-spring 68 , 70 , respectively.
- CRES corrosion resistant steel
- sealing portions 72 , 74 are captured therebetween such that sealing portions 72 , 74 extend through center opening 75 of S-springs 68 , 70 , respectively.
- Sealing portions 72 , 74 may be made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or any other suitable material for circumferentially sealing against valve seats 24 , 26 , respectively, to seal the upstream and downstream fuel valves, respectively.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- upstream and downstream oxidizer armature members 76 , 78 are made from high flux capacity material that is compatible with the propellants such as corrosion resistant steel (CRES), for example of XM-27 CRES, and are resistance welded to S-spring 80 , 82 , respectively.
- CRES corrosion resistant steel
- sealing portions 84 , 86 are captured therebetween such that sealing portions 84 , 86 extend through center opening 75 of S-springs 80 , 82 .
- Sealing portions 84 , 86 may be made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or any other suitable material for circumferentially sealing against valve seats 32 , 34 , respectively to seal the upstream and downstream oxidizer valves, respectively.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- Upstream and downstream fuel armature members 64 , 66 are installed within the armature receiving spaces defined by circumferentially raised walls 98 a extending from fuel manifold assembly 12 . Sealing portions 72 , 74 contact valve seats 24 , 26 , respectively, of fuel manifold assembly 12 . As isolation caps 58 a , 58 b are installed, the outer rim of each S-spring 68 , 70 is deflected developing a preload on sealing portions 72 , 74 against valve seats 24 , 26 , respectively. Isolation caps 58 a , 58 c are welded to fuel manifold assembly 12 to prevent external leakage of fuel.
- upstream and downstream oxidizer armature members 76 , 78 are installed within armature receiving spaces 99 b defined by circumferentially raised walls 98 b extending from oxidizer manifold assembly 14 . Sealing portions 84 , 86 contact valve seats 32 , 34 , respectively, of oxidizer manifold assembly 12 .
- isolation caps 58 a , 58 b are installed, the outer rim of each S-spring 80 , 82 is deflected developing a preload on sealing portions 84 , 86 against valve seats 32 , 34 , respectively.
- Isolation caps 58 b , 58 d are welded to oxidizer manifold assembly 14 to prevent external leakage of oxidizer.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the alignment of fastener receiving openings 100 a of fuel manifold assembly 12 with threaded fastener receiving orifices 44 a of fastener receiving portions 42 .
- fastener receiving openings 100 b of oxidizer manifold assembly 14 align with the threaded fastener receiving orifices (not shown) on the opposite longitudinal end of fastener receiving portions 42 .
- a plurality of fasteners 106 a and 106 b are in the form of tie wired cap screws and have one threaded end thereof. Fasteners 106 a extend through fastener receiving openings 100 a and into threaded fastener receiving orifices 44 a to fixedly secure fuel manifold assembly 12 to magnetic actuator assembly housing 16 .
- Fasteners 106 b extend through fastener receiving openings 100 b and into the threaded fastener receiving orifices (not shown) on the opposite ends as threaded fastener receiving orifices 44 a to fixedly secure oxidizer manifold assembly 14 and magnetic actuator assembly housing 16 together. It should be noted that in FIGS. 1 - 9 , oxidizer manifold assembly 14 could be shown mounted above magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 and fuel manifold assembly 12 could be shown mounted below magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 .
- sealing structures 46 are disposed between manifold assemblies 12 , 14 and magnetic actuator assembly housing structure 16 within each groove 41 to environmentally seal the enclosure, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It may be preferable for the O-rings to be made from silicone.
- each seal may be tested by energizing only one of magnetic solenoid actuators 48 , 50 at a time. With one actuator energized and fluids under pressure supplied to both inlets 90 a and 90 b , the integrity of the seals controlled by the other actuator will be tested. In normal operation, both actuators are energized in unison.
- Fuel inlet filter 96 a protects the upstream and downstream fuel valves from impurities or harmful agents that could deter operation of the upstream and downstream fuel valves.
- the passing fuel flows through fuel inlet filter 96 a before reaching inlet 91 for the upstream fuel valve.
- the upstream fuel valve controls the fuel flow to inlet 95 for the downstream fuel valve, which in turn controls fuel flow to thruster interface port 94 a.
- Conduit 10 in the main body portion 92 a of fuel manifold assembly 12 connects outlet 93 of the upstream fuel valve to inlet 95 of the downstream fuel valve.
- the downstream fuel valve discharges into the thruster through thruster interface port 94 a .
- the thruster may be included within a spacecraft engine, or any other suitable engine in which two fluids are delivered to combustion chambers.
- S-springs 68 , 70 firmly preload sealing portions 72 and 74 against valve seats 24 , 26 , respectively. As described above, the preload is sufficient to close and seal the upstream and downstream fuel valves against leakage and to prevent liftoff under worst-case vibration loading.
- oxidizer manifold assembly 14 Because the operation and nature of oxidizer manifold assembly 14 is basically the same as for fuel manifold assembly 12 , it is therefore unnecessary to repeat details. Fuel and oxidizer simultaneously flow into and through conduits 10 , 11 of fuel and oxidizer manifold assemblies 12 , 14 , respectively, so that both fuel and oxidizer will be maintained in correct proportions therein and directed into the thruster portion of an engine whereby the fuel will be ignited.
- a permanent magnet (not shown) could be inserted into each core 54 so that upstream and downstream actuators 48 , 50 would be the same in construction and operation. Only the operation of upstream actuator 48 will be described below.
- a first short electrical pulse is applied to coil 56 of upstream actuator 48 to generate a magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit consisting of case 52 , core 54 and upstream fuel armature member 64 .
- the magnetic flux in the air gap between each upstream fuel armature 64 , case 52 and core 54 exerts a larger attractive force on upstream fuel armature 64 than that of the permanent magnet.
- This attractive force overcomes the preload of S-spring 68 causing upstream fuel armature 64 to be drawn up against isolation cap 58 a lifting seat member 72 off valve seat 24 . With sealing member 72 lifted off valve seat 24 , fuel is allowed to flow across valve seat 24 to the inlet for the downstream fuel valve.
- the permanent magnet positioned axially within core 54 holds upstream armature member 64 in the power applied, open position.
- a second short electrical pulse having a reverse polarity of the first pulse is applied to coil 56 to create a magnetic flux polarity opposite of the permanent magnet.
- Reversed polarity of the electromagnet is preferably achieved by using a reversed polarity electric pulse or by providing a second coil along the same axis as coil 54 but with an opposite winding direction.
- S-spring 68 would drive upstream fuel armature member 64 and sealing portion 72 , respectively, to the power removed, closed position and reapply the preload.
- each upstream fuel armature member 64 , case 52 and core 54 , permanent magnet strength and spring constant of S-spring 68 are selected so that the permanent magnet is insufficiently powerful to exert an attractive force able to overcome the preload of S-spring 68 when in the closed position.
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- Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
Abstract
A magnetically actuated valve system for controlling fluid flow through a first conduit and a second conduit. A first sealing structure associated with the first conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the first conduit. A second sealing structure associated with the second conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the second conduit. A magnetic actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.
Description
- This invention relates generally to a magnetically actuated valve system and more specifically to a magnetically actuated valve system in which at least two solenoid valves are actuated by a single electromagnetic actuator.
- In typical electromagnetically actuated propellant valves used in bi-propellant systems, a first propellant (fuel) flows through an upstream valve to a downstream valve such that the first propellant will be directed into contact with a second propellant (oxidizer) flowing through a second upstream valve to a second downstream valve within a thruster portion of an engine or the like, whereby the combined propellant will be ignited. The flow of each of the first and second propellants is simultaneously controlled and maintained in the correct proportions by a single magnetic circuit actuating two magnetically linked valves, each housed in a manifold assembly.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,443,585, 3,472,277 and 4,223,698 disclose various magnetically actuated valve systems wherein a single electromagnetic excitation will actuate each of two valve members, each of which serves its own pressure-fluid flow. In the '585 patent, a permanent magnet is the common middle element of two separate solenoid-actuated magnetic circuits. Excitation of one solenoid opens both valves; excitation of the other solenoid closes both valves; and the permanent magnet holds the actuated condition of both valves. The '277 and '698 patents each disclose an electromagnetic actuating system wherein a single solenoid coil actuates two magnetically linked valves to open condition, against the preload of springs to load valve members in the valve-closing direction. In all cases, construction is highly specialized and complex, leading to unduly expensive products.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,876 discloses an electromagnetically actuated multiple-valve construction within a single welded housing which contains each of two series-connected valves and a single magnetic circuit for concurrently operating an upstream and a downstream valve.
- Consequently, there exists a need in the art for a valve system having the functional advantages of the '876 patent without a welded construction, which adds weight. There also exists a need in the art for a magnetically actuated valve system to provide a pair of magnetically operated valves movable between a power applied and a power removed position by a magnetic solenoid actuator assembly for simultaneously controlling and maintaining first and second propellants in the correct proportions through separate manifold assemblies of a single system. There also exists a need in the art to make a magnetically actuated valve system that is simpler, lighter and more cost effective.
- To meet the described need, one aspect of the invention provides a magnetically actuated valve system. The magnetically actuated valve system comprises a first conduit and a second conduit. A first sealing structure is moveable in response to a magnetic force to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the first conduit. A second sealing structure is moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the second conduit. A magnetic actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent form the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
- FIG. 1 is a cross section of a magnetically actuated valve system taken along the line1-1 of FIG. 3 with the power removed;
- FIG. 2 is a cross section of the magnetically actuated valve system similar to FIG. 1, but with the power applied;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the magnetically actuated valve system embodying the principles of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the magnetically actuated valve system shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an S-spring of the magnetically actuated valve system shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross section similar to FIG. 1 showing an upstream fuel valve and an upstream oxidizer valve with the power removed;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section similar to FIG. 6 showing the upstream fuel valve and the upstream oxidizer valve, but with the power applied;
- FIG. 8 is a farther enlarged cross section of the magnetically actuated valve system similar to FIG. 6 showing the upstream fuel valve; and
- FIG. 9 is a further enlarged cross section similar to FIG. 8 showing the downstream fuel valve of the magnetically actuated valve system;
- Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIGS.1-9 show a preferred embodiment of a magnetically actuated valve system of the present invention. The magnetically actuated valve system comprises a first conduit, generally indicated at 10 and a second conduit generally indicated at 11 for providing fluid flowpaths for a fuel and an oxidizer, respectively.
Fuel conduit 10 is machined or etched into a fuel manifold assembly, generally indicated at 12, to provide the fuel flowpath and hassealing structures Oxidizer conduit 11 is machined or etched into an oxidizer manifold assembly, generally indicated at 14, to provide the oxidizer flowpath and hassealing structures manifold assembly -
Magnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50 are disposed within a magnetic actuator assembly housing structure, generally indicated at 16. Magnetic solenoid actuator 48 is constructed and arranged to exert a magnetic force onsealing structures Magnetic solenoid actuator 50 is constructed and arranged to exert a magnetic force onsealing structures - As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
fuel manifold assembly 12 andoxidizer manifold assembly 14 are of identical construction and are similarly described hereinbelow.Fuel manifold assembly 12 includes a pair ofvalve seats Valve seats inlets oxidizer manifold assembly 14 comprises a pair ofvalve seats valve seats oxidizer manifold assemblies Valve seats inlet - As best shown in FIGS.1-4, magnetic actuator
assembly housing structure 16 comprises a pair of circumferentially extending magnetic actuatorassembly receiving portions 40 integral with one another. Each circumferentially extending magnetic actuatorassembly receiving portion 40 provides agroove 41 for carrying asealing structure 46, with eachgroove 41 positioned on the opposite longitudinal ends of each magnetic actuatorassembly receiving portion 40. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of generally tubularfastener receiving portions 42 integrally extends from each magnetic actuatorassembly receiving portion 40. Eachfastener receiving portion 42 has one threadedfastener receiving orifice 44 a on one longitudinal end thereof and another threaded fastener receiving orifice (not shown) on the opposite longitudinal end thereof. Magnetic actuatorassembly housing structure 16 preferably is made of a low magnetic flux capacity material. It may be preferable to for magneticactuator housing structure 16 to be made from aluminum or titanium.Housing structure 16 may be cast, forged or machined. - As best shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic actuator assembly comprises upstream magnetic solenoid actuator48 and downstream
magnetic solenoid 50. Upstream magnetic solenoid actuator 48 moves thefuel sealing structure 28 and theoxidizer sealing structure 36 to a power applied, open position. Similarly, downstreammagnetic solenoid 50 movesfuel sealing structure 30 andoxidizer sealing structure 38 to a power applied, open position.Magnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50 are installed within magnetic actuatorassembly receiving portions 40 of magnetic actuatorassembly housing structure 16. Upstream and downstreammagnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50 comprisesolenoid cases 52, each of which generally surrounds a centrally positionedsolenoid core 54. Eachsolenoid core 54 extends through aconductive coil 56, for example of copper, such that eachconductive coil 56 is generally surrounded bysolenoid case 52 on their radial exterior. It is contemplated that the twomagnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50 may be operated independently or coupled electrically in series or parallel to normally operate substantially simultaneously, as further described below. - Isolation caps58 a, 58 b, 58 c, 58 d engage opposite longitudinal sides of
magnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50, respectively, to retain eachmagnetic solenoid actuator 48, 50 within one of circumferentially extending magnetic actuatorassembly receiving portions 40 of magnetic actuatorassembly housing structure 16. Isolation caps 58 a, 58 c are welded to fuelmanifold assembly 12. Isolation caps 58 b, 58 d are welded to oxidizermanifold assembly 14. Isolation caps 58 a, 58 b, 58 c, 58 d may be made from titanium or any other low flux capacity material capable of exposure to the propellants and suitable for being welded tomanifolds -
Fuel sealing structure 28 includes afuel armature member 64, an S-spring 68 and a sealingportion 72.Fuel sealing structure 30 is disposed downstream fromfuel sealing structure 28 and includes a downstreamfuel armature member 66 positioned downstream from upstreamfuel armature member 64, an S-spring 70 and a sealingportion 74. S-springs bias sealing structures first conduit 10.Fuel sealing structures fuel manifold 12 byisolation caps - Similarly,
oxidizer sealing structure 36 includes anoxidizer armature member 76, an S-spring 80 and a sealingportion 84. Oxidizer sealingstructure 38 is disposed downstream fromoxidizer sealing structure 36 and includes a downstreamoxidizer armature member 78 positioned downstream from upstreamoxidizer armature member 76, an S-spring 82 and a sealingportion 86. S-springs bias sealing structures second conduit 11. Oxidizer sealingstructures oxidizer manifold 14 byisolation caps - It might be preferable for fuel and
oxidizer manifold assemblies conduits - Various fuels and oxidizers could be used within fuel and
oxidizer manifold assemblies fuel manifold assembly 12 is monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and the preferred oxidizer used inoxidizer manifold assembly 14 is nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4). The fuel may flow throughfuel manifold assembly 12 and oxidizer may flow throughoxidizer manifold assembly 14 in a liquid or gaseous state. - FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing S-
spring 68, but could be representative of any other S-spring springs interior walls 69 defining serpentine slots therein. Theinterior walls 69 are circumferentially positioned around S-springs 68, 70, 80 and 82 in interposing relation between aninner section 71 of each S-spring outer rim 73 of the same S-spring springs members valve seats springs spacing shim stack 88 a. Shim stack 88 b is used to adjust isolation caps 58 a, 58 c and 58 b, 58 d to a position flush withmanifold assembly - As best shown in FIGS.1-3 and 6-9,
fuel manifold assembly 12 andoxidizer manifold assembly 14 further comprise aninlet main body portion thruster interface port Inlet 90 a, which is preferably tubular or a thread fitting, extends integrally and is welded tomain body portion 92 a. Likewise,inlet 90 b, which is preferably tubular or a thread fitting, extends integrally and is welded tomain body portion 92 b.Inlets Inlets similar inlet filter inlet plug conduit 10 betweeninlet 91 andoutlet 93 of the upstream fuel valve. Similarly, inlet plug 97 b is welded withinconduit 11 betweeninlet 101 andoutlet 103 of the upstream oxidizer valve. -
Main body portion 92 a offuel manifold assembly 12 hasconduit 10 etched or machined therein andmain body portion 92 b ofoxidizer manifold assembly 14 hasconduit 11 etched or machined therein. - Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of circumferentially raised
walls main body portion walls 98 b in FIG. 4. Each pair of raisedwalls spaces 99 b are shown in FIG. 4. Raisedwalls main body portions armature receiving spaces 99 a, 99 b, respectively. A pair offastener receiving openings main body portions openings main body portions thruster interface ports oxidizer manifold assemblies Thruster interface ports manifold assembly respective inlets - Upstream and downstream
fuel armature members oxidizer armature members spring inner sections 71 of S-springs fuel armature members portions portions springs Sealing portions valve seats - Similarly, upstream and downstream
oxidizer armature members spring inner sections 71 of S-springs oxidizer armature members portions portions springs Sealing portions valve seats - Upstream and downstream
fuel armature members walls 98 a extending fromfuel manifold assembly 12.Sealing portions fuel manifold assembly 12. As isolation caps 58 a, 58 b are installed, the outer rim of each S-spring portions valve seats manifold assembly 12 to prevent external leakage of fuel. - Similarly, upstream and downstream
oxidizer armature members armature receiving spaces 99 b defined by circumferentially raisedwalls 98 b extending fromoxidizer manifold assembly 14.Sealing portions oxidizer manifold assembly 12. As isolation caps 58 a, 58 b are installed, the outer rim of each S-spring portions valve seats manifold assembly 14 to prevent external leakage of oxidizer. FIG. 4 illustrates the alignment offastener receiving openings 100 a offuel manifold assembly 12 with threadedfastener receiving orifices 44 a offastener receiving portions 42. Similarly,fastener receiving openings 100 b ofoxidizer manifold assembly 14 align with the threaded fastener receiving orifices (not shown) on the opposite longitudinal end offastener receiving portions 42. A plurality offasteners Fasteners 106 a extend throughfastener receiving openings 100 a and into threadedfastener receiving orifices 44 a to fixedly securefuel manifold assembly 12 to magneticactuator assembly housing 16. -
Fasteners 106 b extend throughfastener receiving openings 100 b and into the threaded fastener receiving orifices (not shown) on the opposite ends as threadedfastener receiving orifices 44 a to fixedly secureoxidizer manifold assembly 14 and magneticactuator assembly housing 16 together. It should be noted that in FIGS. 1-9,oxidizer manifold assembly 14 could be shown mounted above magnetic actuatorassembly housing structure 16 andfuel manifold assembly 12 could be shown mounted below magnetic actuatorassembly housing structure 16. - After titanium fuel and
oxidizer manifold assemblies actuator assembly housing 16,magnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50 are protected from the ambient environment.Sealing structures 46, preferably in the form of O-rings, are disposed betweenmanifold assemblies assembly housing structure 16 within eachgroove 41 to environmentally seal the enclosure, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It may be preferable for the O-rings to be made from silicone. - The integrity of each seal may be tested by energizing only one of
magnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50 at a time. With one actuator energized and fluids under pressure supplied to bothinlets - Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and6-9, the operation of the magnetically actuated valve system will be fully described below. The operation of
fuel manifold assembly 12 will be described as fuel flows frominlet 90 a throughupstream fuel valve 28 anddownstream fuel valve 30 tothruster interface port 94 a withinfuel manifold assembly 12.Fuel inlet filter 96 a protects the upstream and downstream fuel valves from impurities or harmful agents that could deter operation of the upstream and downstream fuel valves. The passing fuel flows throughfuel inlet filter 96 a before reachinginlet 91 for the upstream fuel valve. The upstream fuel valve controls the fuel flow toinlet 95 for the downstream fuel valve, which in turn controls fuel flow tothruster interface port 94 a. - Fuel enters
fuel manifold assembly 12 throughfuel inlet 90 a where inlet plug 97 a directs its flow throughfuel filter 96 a and into the inlet for the fuel upstream valve. Fuel flows into the fuel upstream valve throughinlet 91, which is in the form of an opening infuel manifold assembly 12.Conduit 10 in themain body portion 92 a offuel manifold assembly 12 connectsoutlet 93 of the upstream fuel valve toinlet 95 of the downstream fuel valve. The downstream fuel valve discharges into the thruster throughthruster interface port 94 a. The thruster may be included within a spacecraft engine, or any other suitable engine in which two fluids are delivered to combustion chambers. - Before power is applied to
coils 56 of upstream anddownstream actuators 48, 50, S-springs portions valve seats - When power is applied to
coil 56 of upstream magnetic solenoid actuator 48, a magnetic flux is generated in a magnetic circuit consisting ofcore 54,case 52, and upstreamfuel armature member 64. The magnetic flux in the air gap between each upstreamfuel armature member 64,case 52 andcore 54 exerts an attractive force on upstreamfuel armature member 64. This attractive force overcomes the preload of S-spring 68 causing upstreamfuel armature member 64 to be drawn up againstisolation cap 58 alifting sealing member 72 offvalve seat 24. With sealingmember 72 lifted offvalve seat 24, fuel is allowed to flow acrossvalve seat 24 to the inlet for the downstream fuel valve.Upstream armature member 64 is held in the power applied, open position as long as power is applied tocoil 56 of magnetic solenoid actuator 48. - When power is applied to
coil 56 ofdownstream actuator 50, a magnetic flux is generated in a magnetic circuit consisting ofcore 54,case 52, and downstreamfuel armature member 66. The magnetic flux in the air gap between downstreamfuel armature member 66,case 52 andcore 54 exerts an attractive force on downstreamfuel armature member 66. This attractive force overcomes the preload of S-spring 70 causing downstreamfuel armature member 66 to be drawn up against theisolation cap 58 clifting sealing member 74 offvalve seat 26. With sealingmember 74 offvalve seat 26, fuel is allowed to flow acrossvalve seat 26 and throughthruster interface port 94 a into a thruster combustion portion of an engine, for example a spacecraft engine.Downstream armature member 66 is held in the power applied, open position as long as power is applied tocoil 56 ofmagnetic solenoid actuator 50. - When the power is removed from
coils 56 of upstream and downstreammagnetic solenoid actuators 48, 50, the magnetic fields collapse, thus reducing the magnetic attracting force on upstream and downstreamfuel armature members springs fuel armature members portions - Because the operation and nature of
oxidizer manifold assembly 14 is basically the same as forfuel manifold assembly 12, it is therefore unnecessary to repeat details. Fuel and oxidizer simultaneously flow into and throughconduits oxidizer manifold assemblies - Alternatively, a permanent magnet (not shown) could be inserted into each core54 so that upstream and
downstream actuators 48, 50 would be the same in construction and operation. Only the operation of upstream actuator 48 will be described below. - A first short electrical pulse is applied to
coil 56 of upstream actuator 48 to generate a magnetic flux in a magnetic circuit consisting ofcase 52,core 54 and upstreamfuel armature member 64. The magnetic flux in the air gap between eachupstream fuel armature 64,case 52 andcore 54 exerts a larger attractive force onupstream fuel armature 64 than that of the permanent magnet. This attractive force overcomes the preload of S-spring 68 causingupstream fuel armature 64 to be drawn up againstisolation cap 58 a liftingseat member 72 offvalve seat 24. With sealingmember 72 lifted offvalve seat 24, fuel is allowed to flow acrossvalve seat 24 to the inlet for the downstream fuel valve. The permanent magnet positioned axially withincore 54 holdsupstream armature member 64 in the power applied, open position. - To reduce the magnetic attractive force on
upstream armature member 64, a second short electrical pulse having a reverse polarity of the first pulse is applied tocoil 56 to create a magnetic flux polarity opposite of the permanent magnet. Reversed polarity of the electromagnet is preferably achieved by using a reversed polarity electric pulse or by providing a second coil along the same axis ascoil 54 but with an opposite winding direction. Then, S-spring 68 would drive upstreamfuel armature member 64 and sealingportion 72, respectively, to the power removed, closed position and reapply the preload. The air gap between each upstreamfuel armature member 64,case 52 andcore 54, permanent magnet strength and spring constant of S-spring 68 are selected so that the permanent magnet is insufficiently powerful to exert an attractive force able to overcome the preload of S-spring 68 when in the closed position. - While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention.
- It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims (21)
1. A magnetically actuated valve system, comprising:
a first conduit;
a second conduit;
a first sealing structure, moveable in response to a magnetic force in a first direction to an open position and biased toward a closed position, the closed position preventing fluid flow through the first conduit;
a second sealing structure, moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position, the closed position preventing fluid flow through the second conduit; and
a magnetic actuator assembly, constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing structures substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.
2. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a first manifold assembly in which the first conduit is disposed; and
a second manifold assembly in which the second conduit is disposed, such that separate fluids may be carried within each of the first and second conduits.
3. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , wherein each sealing structure is spring biased toward the closed position.
4. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 2 , wherein each manifold assembly comprises:
an inlet;
a main body portion having said first conduit therein; and
an outlet for transporting a fuel from said inlet through said conduit to said outlet.
5. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , wherein each sealing structure comprises:
a respective armature member, made of high flux capacity material;
a sealing portion carried by said armature member for preventing fluid flow through a respective one of the first and second conduits; and
a spring member constructed and arranged to bias said sealing structure in the closed position.
6. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 5 , wherein each sealing portion is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.
7. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , wherein said magnetic actuator assembly comprises:
a conductive coil;
a core extending through said coil; and
a case surrounding said coil.
8. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , wherein:
the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure move toward one another when moving into the open position.
9. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a third sealing structure, disposed downstream of the first sealing structure, moveable in response to a magnetic force in the first direction to an open position and biased toward a closed position, the closed position preventing fluid flow through the first conduit;
a fourth sealing structure, disposed downstream of the second sealing structure and moveable in response to a magnetic force in the second direction to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position, the closed position preventing fluid flow through the second conduit; and
a second magnetic actuator assembly, disposed between the first conduit and the second conduit, constructed and arranged to actuate the second and third sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously be moving the second and third sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.
10. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 9 , further comprising first and second manifold assemblies, wherein the first and second conduits are disposed in the first and second manifold assemblies.
11. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 10 , wherein each manifold assembly comprises:
an inlet;
a main body portion having said first conduit etched therein; and
an outlet for transporting a fuel from said inlet through said first conduit to said outlet.
12. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 9 , wherein the first and third sealing structures are disposed as parallel elements of a first fluid circuit which includes the first conduit and said second and fourth sealing structures are disposed as parallel elements of a second fluid circuit which includes the second conduit.
13. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 12 , wherein each of said sealing structures comprises a respective sealing portion for preventing fluid flow through a respective one of the conduits, and a spring member constructed and arranged to bias said sealing structure toward said closed position.
14. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 9 , wherein each magnetic actuator assembly comprises:
a conductive coil;
a core extending through said coil; and
a case surrounding said coil.
15. A magnetically actuated valve system as in claim 1 , further comprising:
a magnet constructed and arranged to produce a magnetic biasing force on the first and second sealing structures toward their open positions insufficient to overcome the bias toward the closed position,
said magnetic actuator assembly constructed and arranged to produce a first impulse to actuate the first and second sealing structures toward their respective open positions such that the magnetic biasing force retains them in their respective open positions, and to produce a second impulse to overcome the magnetic biasing force and to actuate the first and second sealing structures toward their respective closed positions.
16. A thruster valve assembly, comprising:
a first manifold assembly having a first conduit therein and a first valve seat;
a second manifold assembly having a second conduit therein and a second valve seat, the second conduit being disposed in parallel with the first conduit;
a magnetic actuator housing assembly disposed between said first and second manifold assemblies;
a first sealing structure disposed between said magnetic actuator housing assembly and said first manifold assembly, said first sealing structure being movable to an open position for unblocking said first valve seat and spring biased toward a closed position for blocking said first valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the first conduit;
a second sealing structure, disposed between said magnetic actuator housing assembly and said second manifold assembly, said second manifold assembly being moveable to an open position for unblocking said second valve seat and spring biased toward a closed position for blocking said second valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the second conduit;
a first magnetic actuator assembly, disposed within a magnetic actuator assembly receiving portion of said magnetic actuator housing assembly between the first conduit and the second conduit, constructed and arranged to exert a magnetic force on the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure substantially simultaneously, the magnetic force moving the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure in respectively opposite directions and into their respective open positions.
17. A thruster valve assembly as in claim 16 , wherein said first manifold assembly further includes a third valve seat disposed downstream of the first valve seat and said second manifold assembly further includes a fourth valve seat disposed downstream of the second valve seat.
18. A thruster valve assembly as in claim 17 , further comprising:
a third sealing structure disposed downstream of the first sealing structure and between said magnetic actuator housing assembly and said first manifold assembly, said third sealing structure being movable to an open position for unblocking said third valve seat and spring biased toward a closed position for blocking said third valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the first conduit.
19. A thruster valve assembly as in claim 18 , further comprising:
a fourth sealing structure disposed downstream of the second sealing structure and between said magnetic actuator housing assembly and said second manifold assembly, said fourth sealing structure being movable to an open position for unblocking said fourth valve seat and spring biased toward a closed position for blocking said fourth valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the second conduit.
20. A thruster valve assembly as in claim 19 , further comprising:
a second magnetic actuator assembly disposed within a second magnetic actuator assembly receiving portion of said magnetic actuator housing assembly between the first conduit and the second conduit and constructed and arranged to exert a magnetic force on the third sealing structure and the fourth sealing structure substantially simultaneously, the magnetic force moving the third sealing structure and the fourth sealing structure in respectively opposite directions into their respective open positions.
21. A thruster valve assembly as in claim 16 , wherein:
the first manifold assembly and the second manifold assembly each are made of a first material,
the actuator assembly is made of a second material,
the first manifold assembly, the second manifold assembly and the actuator assembly are mechanically fastened together, and
each of said sealing structures is enclosed within a respective manifold assembly.
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US09/771,150 US6450197B1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2001-01-26 | Magnetically actuated valve system |
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US09/771,150 US6450197B1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2001-01-26 | Magnetically actuated valve system |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1671055A2 (en) * | 2003-10-09 | 2006-06-21 | Emerson Electric Co. | Valve assembly |
WO2022051708A1 (en) * | 2020-09-07 | 2022-03-10 | Dayco Ip Holdings, Llc | A three port, five-way magnetically latching valve for fuel vapor management systems and systems incorporating same |
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DE10034033A1 (en) * | 2000-07-13 | 2002-01-24 | Nass Magnet Gmbh | magnetic valve |
DE10106429A1 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2002-08-22 | Mannesmann Rexroth Ag | In particular, electromagnetically actuated directional seat valve in cartridge design |
US20060124880A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-15 | Moog Inc. | Magnetically-actuated manually-operated isolation valve |
CN101846211B (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2012-07-04 | 厦门松霖科技有限公司 | Magnetic control multi-ported valve |
WO2011150813A1 (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2011-12-08 | 厦门松霖科技有限公司 | Magnetic control multiple-way valve |
US20150300101A1 (en) | 2014-04-22 | 2015-10-22 | Ronald C. PARSONS and Denise M. PARSONS, trustees under the Ronald C. PARSONS and Denise M. I | Expandable tubular thread protection |
US10190698B2 (en) * | 2017-02-07 | 2019-01-29 | Marotta Controls, Inc. | Solenoid valves for high vibration environments |
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US2891577A (en) * | 1956-06-18 | 1959-06-23 | Gen Motors Corp | Control device |
US3443585A (en) * | 1967-07-03 | 1969-05-13 | North American Rockwell | Magnetically operated multi-valve assembly |
US3661178A (en) * | 1970-01-09 | 1972-05-09 | Cci Aerospace Corp | Magnetically linked bipropellant valve |
-
2001
- 2001-01-26 US US09/771,150 patent/US6450197B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1671055A2 (en) * | 2003-10-09 | 2006-06-21 | Emerson Electric Co. | Valve assembly |
EP1671055A4 (en) * | 2003-10-09 | 2012-01-04 | Brooks Instr Llc | Valve assembly |
WO2022051708A1 (en) * | 2020-09-07 | 2022-03-10 | Dayco Ip Holdings, Llc | A three port, five-way magnetically latching valve for fuel vapor management systems and systems incorporating same |
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