Force multiplying solenoid valve
View Patent ↗A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body comprising a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve member disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, and a fluid chamber above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet. The solenoid actuated valve assembly further includes a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber, wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1.
1. A solenoid actuated valve assembly comprising:
a valve body comprising:
a fluid inlet and fluid outlet;
a valve member disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet;
a fluid chamber above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet;
a bleed screw disposed in a first port in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the bleed screw includes a bleed channel therethrough;
a solenoid adjustment screw disposed in a second port in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and
a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve body comprising:
a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber;
wherein a force multiplying ratio of a surface area of the valve member exposed to the fluid chamber to a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber is at least 1.5:1.
2. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a lower cage disposed in the valve body in which the valve member slides.
3. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 2 , wherein the lower cage comprises a valve seat that contacts the valve member.
4. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an upper cage positioned above the fluid chamber.
5. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 4 , wherein the upper cage comprises one or more ports spaced around a circumference thereof and positioned adjacent an annular groove of the valve body.
6. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a visual indicator on an end of the solenoid plunger,
wherein the solenoid adjustment screw is configured to set the visual indicator at a distance off the solenoid actuator of between about 0.015 and 0.045 of an inch.
7. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the solenoid adjustment screw further comprises an O-ring.
8. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a valve seat in the valve body which contacts the valve member.
9. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a spring in the fluid chamber which biases the valve member in a first direction.
10. The solenoid actuated valve assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a visual indicator on an end of the solenoid plunger,
wherein the solenoid adjustment screw is configured to set the visual indicator at a distance off the solenoid actuator greater than 0.015 of an inch.
11. A method for assembling a solenoid actuated valve, the method comprising:
providing a valve comprising:
a fluid inlet and fluid outlet;
a valve member disposed within a valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet; and
a fluid chamber above the valve member, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet;
providing a solenoid actuator comprising:
a solenoid plunger;
positioning the valve member in a dosed position;
filling the fluid chamber with hydraulic fluid;
coupling the solenoid actuator to the valve body, wherein a stem portion of the solenoid plunger is positioned proximate the fluid chamber;
relieving excess hydraulic fluid from the fluid chamber through a bleed screw port in the valve body; and
adjusting a position of the solenoid plunger with a solenoid adjustment screw.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising positioning a visual indicator on an end of the solenoid plunger at a distance of between about 0.015 and 0.045 of an inch off the solenoid actuator.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising positioning a visual indicator on an end of the solenoid plunger at a distance greater than 0.015 of an inch off the solenoid actuator.
14. A method for using a solenoid actuated valve, the method comprising:
providing the solenoid actuated valve comprising:
a valve body comprising:
a fluid inlet and fluid outlet;
a valve member disposed within the valve body, wherein a position of the valve member controls a fluid flow between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet; and
a fluid chamber above the valve member filled with hydraulic fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid inlet and outlet; and
a solenoid actuator coupled to the valve, body comprising:
a solenoid plunger proximate the fluid chamber;
relieving excess hydraulic fluid from the fluid chamber through a bleed screw port in the valve body; and
providing a multiplied force against the valve member,
wherein the multiplied force corresponds with a force multiplying ratio of as surface area of the valve member exposed to the fluid chamber to a surface area of the solenoid plunger exposed to the fluid chamber.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the force multiplying ratio is at least 1.5:1.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein providing a multiplied force further comprises energizing the solenoid actuator.