U.S. patent application number 14/327206 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for valve apparatus and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DEKA Products Limited Partnership. The applicant listed for this patent is David Blumberg, JR., Richard J. Lanigan, Timothy D. Moreau. Invention is credited to David Blumberg, JR., Richard J. Lanigan, Timothy D. Moreau.
Application Number | 20150014558 14/327206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51355610 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150014558 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lanigan; Richard J. ; et
al. |
January 15, 2015 |
Valve Apparatus and System
Abstract
A bistable valve. The valve includes an interior cavity; a first
pressure source; a second pressure source; a first post connected
to the interior cavity at a first end of the interior cavity; a
second post connected to the interior cavity at a second end of the
interior cavity; a magnetic shuttle located within the interior
cavity; a first electromagnetic coil disposed about the first post;
a second electromagnetic coil disposed about the second post;
wherein when the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the first
electromagnetic coil supplies a magnetic charge to the first post
and actuates the magnetic shuttle to move towards the first end of
the interior cavity towards the first post and seal the first
pressure source.
Inventors: |
Lanigan; Richard J.;
(Concord, NH) ; Blumberg, JR.; David; (Deerfield,
NH) ; Moreau; Timothy D.; (Manchester, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lanigan; Richard J.
Blumberg, JR.; David
Moreau; Timothy D. |
Concord
Deerfield
Manchester |
NH
NH
NH |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DEKA Products Limited
Partnership
Manchester
NH
|
Family ID: |
51355610 |
Appl. No.: |
14/327206 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61844202 |
Jul 9, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
251/129.09 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 31/0606 20130101;
F16K 31/0679 20130101; F16K 31/082 20130101; F16K 31/003 20130101;
F16K 31/0627 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
251/129.09 |
International
Class: |
F16K 31/06 20060101
F16K031/06 |
Claims
1. A bistable valve assembly comprising: an interior cavity; a
first pressure source connected to the interior cavity; a second
pressure source connected to the interior cavity; a first post
connected to the interior cavity at a first end of the interior
cavity; a second post connected to the interior cavity at a second
end of the interior cavity; a magnetic shuttle located within the
interior cavity; a first electromagnetic coil disposed about the
first post; a second electromagnetic coil disposed about the second
post; wherein when the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the
first electromagnetic coil supplies a magnetic charge to the first
post and actuates the magnetic shuttle to move towards the first
end of the interior cavity towards the first post and seal the
first pressure source, and wherein when the second electromagnetic
coil is energized, the second electromagnetic coil supplies a
magnetic charge to the second post and actuates the magnetic
shuttle to move towards the second end of the interior cavity
towards the second post and seal the second pressure source.
2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first post is in
fluid communication with the first pressure source and the second
post is in fluid communication with the second pressure source.
3. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first and
second pressure inlet, the first and second pressure inlet fluidly
connected to the first and second pressure source.
4. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior valve cavity
located between the first and second post.
5. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the magnetic shuttle
comprising a first membrane portion, a magnet portion and a second
membrane portion, the first and second membrane portions attached
to the magnet portion on opposite ends of the magnet portion.
6. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the shuttle is sealed
against the first post in a first configuration and wherein the
shuttle is sealed against the second post in a second
configuration.
7. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first post comprising
a first membrane and wherein the second post comprising a second
membrane.
8. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first post and the
second post further comprising at least one stabilizing
feature.
9. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising an output
orifice in fluid communication with the valve cavity.
10. A bistable valve assembly comprising: an interior cavity; a
first pressure source connected to the interior cavity; a second
pressure source connected to the interior cavity; a magnetic
shuttle located within the interior cavity; and at least one
electromagnetic coil that actuates the magnetic shuttle; wherein
when the electromagnetic coil is energized, the electromagnetic
coil supplies a magnetic charge that actuates the magnetic shuttle
to move towards a first end of the interior cavity and seal the
first pressure source.
11. The valve assembly of claim 10, further comprising a first post
and a second post, wherein the first post is in fluid communication
with the first pressure source and the second post is in fluid
communication with the second pressure source.
12. The valve assembly of claim 10, further comprising a first
electromagnetic coil disposed about the first post wherein, when
energized, the electromagnetic coil supplies magnetic charge to the
first post.
13. The valve assembly of claim 12, further comprising a second
electromagnetic coil disposed about the second post wherein, when
energized, the electromagnetic coil supplies magnetic charge to the
second post.
14. The valve assembly of claim 10, further comprising a first post
and a second post.
15. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein the first post and the
second post further comprising at least one stabilizing
feature.
16. The valve assembly of claim 10, further comprising a first
electromagnetic coil disposed about the first post wherein, when
energized, the electromagnetic coil supplies magnetic charge to the
first post.
17. The valve assembly of claim 16, further comprising a second
electromagnetic coil disposed about the second post wherein, when
energized, the electromagnetic coil supplies magnetic charge to the
first post.
18. The valve assembly of claim 10, further comprising a first and
second pressure inlet, the first and second pressure inlet fluidly
connected to the first and second pressure source.
19. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the magnetic shuttle is
disposed within the interior valve cavity and wherein the interior
valve cavity located between the first and second post.
20. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the magnetic shuttle
comprising a first membrane portion, a magnet portion and a second
membrane portion, the first and second membrane portions attached
to the magnet portion on opposite ends of the magnet portion.
21. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the shuttle is sealed
against the first pressure source in a first configuration and
wherein the shuttle is sealed against the second pressure source in
a second configuration.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/844,202 filed Jul. 9, 2013 and entitled
Valve Apparatus and System (Attorney Docket No. K61), which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application relates generally to valves, and more
particularly, to various valve apparatus and systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditionally, controlling the flow of a fluid may be
accomplished by using a pneumatically, electrically or
magnetically-actuated valve. These valves often require a constant
source of current or fluid flow to stay in a particular position.
In contrast, a bistable valve is stable in either position, and
only requires energy input to switch positions. However,
integrating pre-made bistable valves into a system may be overly
complex and expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one implementation, a bistable valve is
disclosed. The bistable valve includes an interior cavity; a first
pressure source connected to the interior cavity; a second pressure
source connected to the interior cavity; a first post connected to
the interior cavity at a first end of the interior cavity; a second
post connected to the interior cavity at a second end of the
interior cavity; a magnetic shuttle located within the interior
cavity; a first electromagnetic coil disposed about the first post;
a second electromagnetic coil disposed about the second post;
wherein when the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the first
electromagnetic coil supplies a magnetic charge to the first post
and actuates the magnetic shuttle to move towards the first end of
the interior cavity towards the first post and seal the first
pressure source, and wherein when the second electromagnetic coil
is energized, the second electromagnetic coil supplies a magnetic
charge to the second post and actuates the magnetic shuttle to move
towards the second end of the interior cavity towards the second
post and seal the second pressure source.
[0005] Some embodiments of this implementation may include one or
more of the following features. Wherein the first post is in fluid
communication with the first pressure source and the second post is
in fluid communication with the second pressure source. Wherein the
valve further including a first and second pressure inlet, the
first and second pressure inlet fluidly connected to the first and
second pressure source. Wherein the interior valve cavity located
between the first and second post. Wherein the magnetic shuttle
comprising a first membrane portion, a magnet portion and a second
membrane portion, the first and second membrane portions attached
to the magnet portion on opposite ends of the magnet portion.
Wherein the shuttle is sealed against the first post in a first
configuration and wherein the shuttle is sealed against the second
post in a second configuration. Wherein the first post comprising a
first membrane and wherein the second post comprising a second
membrane. Wherein the first post and the second post further
comprising at least one stabilizing feature. Wherein the valve
further includes an output orifice in fluid communication with the
valve cavity.
[0006] In accordance with one implementation, a bistable valve is
disclosed. The bistable valve includes an interior cavity; a first
pressure source connected to the interior cavity; a second pressure
source connected to the interior cavity; a magnetic shuttle located
within the interior cavity; and at least one electromagnetic coil
that actuates the magnetic shuttle; wherein when the
electromagnetic coil is energized, the electromagnetic coil
supplies a magnetic charge that actuates the magnetic shuttle to
move towards a first end of the interior cavity and seal the first
pressure source.
[0007] Some embodiments of this implementation may include one or
more of the following features. Wherein the valve further includes
a first post and a second post, wherein the first post is in fluid
communication with the first pressure source and the second post is
in fluid communication with the second pressure source. Wherein the
valve further includes a first electromagnetic coil disposed about
the first post wherein, when energized, the electromagnetic coil
supplies magnetic charge to the first post. Wherein the valve
further includes a second electromagnetic coil disposed about the
second post wherein, when energized, the electromagnetic coil
supplies magnetic charge to the second post. Wherein the valve
further includes a first post and a second post. Wherein the first
post and the second post further comprising at least one
stabilizing feature. Wherein the valve further includes a first
electromagnetic coil disposed about the first post wherein, when
energized, the electromagnetic coil supplies magnetic charge to the
first post. Wherein the valve further includes a second
electromagnetic coil disposed about the second post wherein, when
energized, the electromagnetic coil supplies magnetic charge to the
first post. Wherein the valve further includes a first and second
pressure inlet, the first and second pressure inlet fluidly
connected to the first and second pressure source. Wherein the
magnetic shuttle is disposed within the interior valve cavity and
wherein the interior valve cavity located between the first and
second post. Wherein the magnetic shuttle comprising a first
membrane portion, a magnet portion and a second membrane portion,
the first and second membrane portions attached to the magnet
portion on opposite ends of the magnet portion. Wherein the shuttle
is sealed against the first pressure source in a first
configuration and wherein the shuttle is sealed against the second
pressure source in a second configuration.
[0008] In accordance with one implementation, a bistable valve
suitable for integration into a plurality of systems is disclosed.
The bistable valve is stable in multiple states, requiring energy
only to switch between states. In one aspect, the bistable valve
includes a valve manifold defining an interior valve cavity having
a common output orifice, a first and second pressure source within
the interior valve cavity, and a magnetically actuated shuttle that
is capable of sealing either the first or second pressure source.
When a pressure source is sealed by the shuttle, the sealed
pressure source is not in fluid communication with the common
output orifice, but the non-sealed pressure source is. When
actuated, the shuttle switches from sealing one pressure source to
sealing the other. The shuttle can be actuated by energizing one or
both pressure sources with a magnetic charge using an
electromagnetic coil such that the shuttle is acted upon by either
an attractive or repellant magnetic force, or both. The net
magnetic force acting on the shuttle causes the actuation because
the shuttle includes multiple magnets.
[0009] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and
advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings,
and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the one embodiment of a
bistable valve;
[0011] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
bistable valve with a shuttle capable of being actuated by
electromagnets;
[0012] FIG. 1C is another cross-sectional view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1A, further showing fasteners;
[0013] FIG. 1D is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment
of FIG. 1A more closely showing the shuttle capable of being
actuated by electromagnets of the bistable valve;
[0014] FIG. 1E is a top view of a ring plate according to one
embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
shuttle;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG. 2A,
showing two disk magnets oriented back-to-back;
[0017] FIG. 2C is a view of the magnetization vector and magnetic
flux path of one embodiment of a shuttle;
[0018] FIG. 2D is a view of the magnetic flux path of one
embodiment when the shuttle is acted upon by an electromagnetic
coil;
[0019] FIG. 2E is a view of the magnetic flux path of one
embodiment, when the shuttle is acted upon by an electromagnetic
coil and there is a ring plate to assist in the transfer of
magnetic flux;
[0020] FIG. 2F is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shuttle
having mechanical retainers;
[0021] FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG. 2F,
showing mechanical retainers;
[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shuttle
showing two stacked ring magnets;
[0023] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG. 3A,
showing two stacked ring magnets;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shuttle
showing multiple radially-oriented magnets;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG. 4A
showing multiple radially-oriented magnets;
[0026] FIG. 4C is a top cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG.
4A showing multiple radially-oriented magnets;
[0027] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
shuttle showing multiple radially-oriented magnets;
[0028] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shuttle
showing multiple radially-oriented magnets in a stacked
pattern;
[0029] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG. 5A
showing multiple radially-oriented magnets in a stacked
pattern;
[0030] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the shuttle of FIG. 5A,
showing multiple radially-oriented magnets in a stacked
pattern;
[0031] FIG. 6A is a front view of one embodiment of a shuttle
having guide posts on either side of the shuttle;
[0032] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
shuttle having elastomer guide posts that seal on a shelf within a
cavity;
[0033] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
shuttle having conical elastomer guide posts that seal on a shelf
within a cavity;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system where the shuttle is encased in a
membrane;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system including stacked electromagnetic coil
geometry rather than flat, circuit-board based electromagnetic coil
geometry;
[0036] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system, this embodiment utilizing a cantilever
armature instead of a shuttle;
[0037] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system, this embodiment using an
axially-oriented magnet in conjunction with the cantilever armature
from the embodiment in FIG. 9A;
[0038] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system, this embodiment using a
radially-oriented magnet in conjunction with the cantilever
armature from the embodiment in FIG. 9A;
[0039] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus and system arranged in an array geometry;
[0040] FIG. 10B is a top view of a circuit board having multiple
flat electromagnetic coils according to one embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system arranged in an array geometry;
[0042] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system integrated into a system;
[0043] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system integrated into a system;
[0044] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system arranged in an array geometry;
[0045] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
valve apparatus and system arranged in an array geometry showing
fasteners in the assembly;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a top view of an outer plate for use in the array
geometry embodiment;
[0047] FIGS. 14A-14C are various views of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus;
[0048] FIGS. 15A-15B are various views of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus;
[0049] FIGS. 16A-16B are various views of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus;
[0050] FIGS. 17A-17E are various views of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus;
[0051] FIGS. 18A-18B are various views of one embodiment of a valve
manifold;
[0052] FIGS. 19A-19B are various views of one embodiment of a valve
incorporated into a regulator;
[0053] FIGS. 20A-20C are various views of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus; and
[0054] FIGS. 21A-21C are various views of one embodiment of a valve
apparatus.
[0055] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] One embodiment of a valve apparatus and system is
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E. This embodiment of the bistable valve
10 includes a first pressure source 12, a second pressure source
14, a shuttle 16, multiple circuit boards 18, each having at least
one electromagnetic coil 34 to actuate the shuttle 16, a valve
manifold 20 having an interior valve cavity 32, and a common output
orifice 22 in fluid communication with the valve cavity 32.
[0057] The first pressure source 12, in various embodiments, may
have a hollow post portion 28 extending into the valve cavity 32.
In some embodiments, this may be constructed of a ferrous material.
Similarly, the second pressure source 14 has a hollow post portion
30 extending into the valve cavity 32 substantially opposite from
the first pressure post 28 and may also be constructed of a ferrous
material in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the first
pressure post 28 may include a first pressure orifice 24, which is
in fluid communication with the first pressure source 12.
Similarly, the second pressure post 30 may have a second pressure
orifice 26 which may be in fluid communication with the second
pressure source 14.
[0058] A first circuit board 18 having a first electromagnetic coil
34 is disposed around the first pressure post 28 such that, when
energized, the first electromagnetic coil 34 supplies a magnetic
charge to the first pressure post 28. Similarly, a second circuit
board 18 having a second electromagnetic coil 34 is disposed around
the second pressure post 30 such that, when energized, the second
electromagnetic coil 34 supplies a magnetic charge to the second
pressure post 30. An outer plate 19 constructed of a ferrous
material, in various embodiments, may be disposed around each of
the first pressure post 28 and the second pressure post 30, and
abutting to an insulatory layer on the outer edge 21 of each of the
circuit boards 18. In various embodiments, each of the outer plates
19 are connected to each other by way of fasteners 17 also
constructed of a ferrous material. Various embodiments further
include a ring plate 23 constructed of a ferrous material and
having a central opening 25 defined by an inner edge 27, disposed
in the valve manifold 20 such that the ring plate 23 is in contact
with each fastener 17 and the central opening 25 surrounds the
shuttle 16 within the interior valve cavity 32. The outer plates 19
and fasteners 17 form a box of ferrous material surrounding the
electromagnetic coils 34, the first pressure post 28, the second
pressure post 30, the ring plate 23, and the shuttle 16. In various
embodiments, the outer plates 19, fasteners 17, ring plate 23,
first pressure post 28 and second pressure post 30 are all
constructed of a ferrous material including, but not limited to,
iron, stainless steel or a nickel-iron alloy such as mu metal or,
more specifically, a 42 nickel-iron alloy, the composition of which
contains approximately 42% nickel.
[0059] In various embodiments, the shuttle 16 is either sealed
against the first pressure orifice 24 in a first stable position
such that the second pressure orifice 26 is in fluid communication
with the interior valve cavity 32, but the first pressure orifice
24 is not, or, alternatively, the shuttle 16 is sealed against the
second pressure orifice 26 in a second stable position such that
the first pressure orifice 24 is in fluid communication with the
interior valve cavity 32, but the second pressure orifice 26 is
not. In each static sealing position, the shuttle 16 is held in
place by a magnetic attraction from the shuttle 16 to either the
first pressure post 28 or the second pressure post 30, whichever is
being sealed.
[0060] To switch the position of the shuttle 16 from sealing
against the first pressure orifice 24 to sealing against the second
pressure orifice 26, the electromagnetic coils 34 disposed around
each of the second pressure post 30 and the first pressure post 28
are energized such that the first pressure post 28 exerts a
repellant force on the shuttle 16, while the second pressure post
30 exerts an attractive force on the shuttle 16. In various
embodiments, both forces are sufficient enough that, working in
conjunction, the attractive and repellant forces are enough to
overcome the magnetic force currently holding the shuttle 16 to the
first pressure orifice 24. Once this occurs, the shuttle 16 moves
linearly through the valve cavity 32 from sealing the first
pressure orifice 24 to sealing the second pressure orifice 26. Once
this switch occurs, the electromagnetic coils 34 cease to be
energized and the shuttle 16 is retained against the second
pressure orifice 26 through a static magnetic attraction.
[0061] Similarly, to switch the position of the shuttle 16 from
sealing against the second pressure orifice 26 to sealing against
the first pressure orifice 24, the electromagnetic coils 34
disposed around each of the first pressure post 28 and the second
pressure post 30 are energized such that the second pressure post
30 exerts a repellant force on the shuttle 16, while the first
pressure post 28 exerts an attractive force on the shuttle 16. Both
forces are sufficient enough that, working in conjunction, the
attractive and repellant forces are enough to overcome the magnetic
force statically holding the shuttle 16 to the second pressure
orifice 26. Once this occurs, the shuttle 16 moves linearly through
the valve cavity 32 from sealing the second pressure orifice 26 to
sealing the first pressure orifice 24. Once this switch occurs, the
electromagnetic coils 34 cease to be energized and the shuttle 16
is retained against the first pressure post 28 through a static
magnetic attraction.
[0062] In various embodiments, the electromagnetic coils are both
energized in series in one polarity to actuate the shuttle in one
direction. Similarly, to actuate the shuttle in the opposite
direction, both electromagnetic coils are energized together in
series in the opposite polarity.
[0063] In various embodiments, the coils 34 are energized by way of
discharging current from a charged capacitor. Once the capacitor is
depleted, current ceases to charge the respective coil 34, and the
shuttle 16 is held against either the first pressure post 28 or the
second pressure post 30, by way of static magnetic attraction while
the capacitor recharges. Use of a capacitor to charge the
electromagnetic coils 34 is beneficial/desirable for many reasons,
including, but not limited to minimizing safety concerns. Use of a
charged capacitor to energize the electromagnetic coils 34 may
limit the amount of continuous current the coils 34 are exposed to
thereby minimizing the risk of applying excessive current as well
as decreasing the risk of fire and other thermal related failure.
Another reason that use of a capacitor to charge the
electromagnetic coils 34 is beneficial/desirable is it allows for
smaller and cheaper construction of the present invention. One
capacitor may be used to energize multiple valves, thereby avoiding
the need to implement multiple sources of current into the valve
application. However, in alternate embodiments, the electromagnetic
coils may be energized by way of a continuous source of
current.
[0064] In yet another embodiment, the bistable valve may only
consist of a single electromagnetic coil used to actuate the
shuttle 16 in both sealing positions.
[0065] Referring now also to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in various
embodiments, the shuttle 16 includes a carrier 36 and two magnets
38, aligned concentrically and oriented back-to back with their
closest corresponding faces 40 having the same polarity, and as
such, exhibit a repelling force against each other. Various
embodiments of the shuttle may include an elastomer layer 42
disposed on each magnet's outward face 44 and acts as a seal when
the shuttle is actuated against either the first pressure orifice
24 or the second pressure orifice 26. In various embodiments, the
elastomer layer 42 may be constructed of a pliant material which
may include, but is not limited to, silicone and/or polyurethane.
In some embodiments, each elastomer layer 42 may be retained in the
shuttle 16 mechanically by portions of the shuttle 16 that overlap
the edge of each elastomer layer 42 and sandwich it to the
corresponding magnet's outward face 44. In some embodiments, each
elastomer layer 42 may be retained in the shuttle by adhesive
holding the elastomer to each magnet's outward face 44. In some
embodiments, the elastomer layers 42 may be disposed on each
magnet's outward face 44 by way of overmolding the entire magnet 38
with the elastomer material or applying a two-part elastomer
material to the magnet 38. In some embodiments, each elastomer
layer 42 may be obtained by sandwiching each magnet 38 between two
sheets of elastomer material and melting portions of the sheets to
each other in order to create a pocket of elastomer in which each
magnet 38 resides. In some embodiments, the elastomer layer on one
side of the shuttle may be thicker than the other side in order to
decrease the sealing stability on the thicker side which may be
beneficial/desirable for many reasons, including but not limited
to, where failsafe operation is desired.
[0066] In some embodiments, either the first pressure orifice 24 or
the second pressure orifice 26 is sealed against an elastomer layer
42 of the shuttle 16 by way of both the first pressure post 28 and
the second pressure post 30 having a flat surface with rounded
edges surrounding the first pressure orifice 24 and the second
pressure orifice 26. In some embodiments, the shuttle 16 may seal
using a conical geometry surrounding the first pressure orifice 24
and the second pressure orifice 26. In some embodiments, the
shuttle 16 may seal using a conical geometry with a flat surface
with a width of about 0.005 inches immediately surrounding both the
first pressure orifice 24 and the second pressure orifice 26. In
some embodiments, the shuttle 16 may seal using a hemispherical tip
geometry surrounding both the first pressure orifice 24 and the
second pressure orifice 26.
[0067] In some embodiments, the carrier 36 of the shuttle 16 may
further include a guide cavity 50 in each side 46, 48 of the
shuttle carrier 36 that circumscribes each elastomer layer 42 such
that the guide cavity 50 envelopes a portion of both the first
pressure post 28 and the second pressure post 30, regardless of
which is being sealed. This may be beneficial/desirable for many
reasons, including but not limited to, maintaining proper alignment
with each pressure post. In various embodiments, the shuttle 16 may
also include a plurality of air flow notches 52 in each side 46, 48
of the shuttle carrier 36 that enable fluid communication from the
valve cavity 32, to either the first pressure orifice 24 or the
second pressure orifice 26, whichever is not being sealed, by way
of the corresponding guide cavity 50.
[0068] In some embodiments, the shuttle 16 may use the attractive
magnetic force from each pressure post to maintain proper
alignment. In some of these embodiments, guide cavities 50 may not
be used.
[0069] Referring now also to FIG. 2C, the magnetic flux path
present in some embodiments of the shuttle 16 is shown. In some
embodiments, the magnets 38 may be oriented back-to-back with their
closest corresponding faces 40 having the same polarity, and as
such, exhibit a repelling force against each other. When the
magnets 38 are oriented in this manner, a radial magnetic vector 39
is created by the interaction of the magnets' 38 respective flux
leakage paths 29, which are used to switch the position of the
shuttle 16 when the electromagnetic coils 34 are sufficiently
energized, as shown in FIG. 2D. When the shuttle 16 is sealed
against the negative pressure orifice 26 and the electromagnetic
coils 34 are energized such that they supply an attractive magnetic
charge to the first pressure post 28 and a repellant magnetic
charge to the second pressure post 30, the flux leakage paths 29 of
the shuttle 16 may cause the attractive and repellant magnetic
charges of the posts to repel the shuttle 16 away from the second
pressure post 30 and attract towards the first pressure post 28 in
order to switch the shuttle 16 to sealing against the first
pressure orifice 24.
[0070] Similarly, when the shuttle 16 is sealed against the first
pressure orifice 24 and the electromagnetic coils 34 are energized
such that they supply an attractive magnetic charge to the second
pressure post 30 and a repellant magnetic charge to the first
pressure post 28, the flux leakage paths 29 of the shuttle 16 may
cause the attractive and repellant magnetic charges of the posts to
repel the shuttle 16 away from the first pressure post 28 and
attract towards the second pressure post 30. This switches the
shuttle 16 to sealing against the second pressure orifice 26.
[0071] Referring now also to FIG. 2E, another embodiment is shown
utilizing the ring plate 23 to assist in switching the position of
the shuttle 16. In some embodiments, the ring plate 23 may be
disposed around the shuttle 16 such that its inner edge 27 may be
in close proximity to the shuttle 16 in either sealing position. In
some embodiments, when the first pressure post 28 and the second
pressure post 30 are energized such that they induce the shuttle 16
to switch sealing positions, the ring plate 23 allows the magnetic
flux from the first pressure post 28 and the second pressure post
30 to more effectively travel through the fasteners 17 and the
outer plates 19 to assist in attracting the flux leakage paths from
one side of the shuttle 16 and repelling the flux leakage paths
from the opposite side of the shuttle 16. This may result in the
shuttle 16 switching positions.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 2F and 2G, in some embodiments, the
shuttle 16 may include layers of elastomer 42 retained to the
magnet faces 44 by way of mechanical retainers 41. In these
embodiments, the shuttle 16 uses magnetic force from each of the
pressure posts to maintain alignment and, as such, may not, in some
embodiments, include any guide cavities.
[0073] Referring now also to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some embodiments,
the shuttle 54 may include a carrier 56 and two ring magnets 58,
aligned concentrically and oriented back-to back with their closest
corresponding faces 59 having the same polarity. As such, the two
ring magnets 58 exhibit a repelling force against each other. A
layer of elastomer 60 may also be disposed between the two ring
magnets 58, in some embodiments, such that the central aperture 61
of each ring magnet is not in fluid communication with the
other.
[0074] Referring now also to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another embodiment of
the shuttle 62 may includes a carrier 64, multiple magnets 66
arranged in a radial pattern around a central axis 76, and two
central guide cavities 70 aligned coaxially with the central axis
76, one extending into a top surface 72 and the other extending
into a bottom surface 74. Each radially-oriented magnet 66 may have
a magnetization vector through its thickness, thereby giving the
shuttle 62 an overall radial magnetization vector. In various
embodiments, the shuttle 62 may further include a layer of
elastomer 68 disposed in each of the two central guide cavities 70.
In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 4D, the two central guide
cavities 70 may be formed by disposing a layer of elastomer 69 in a
central channel 71 that extends through the entire thickness of the
shuttle 62 such that the elastomer 69 bisects the channel 71 and
does not permit fluid communication from the top surface 72 to the
bottom surface 74.
[0075] Referring now also to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some embodiments,
the shuttle 78 may include a carrier 80, at least two
concentrically-stacked layers 82, each having multiple magnets 84
arranged in a radial pattern around a central axis 90. Each
radially-oriented magnet 84 may have a magnetization vector through
its thickness, thereby giving the shuttle 78 an overall radial
magnetization vector. In various embodiments, the shuttle 78 may
include a central cavity 88 disposed along the central axis 90 and
extending through the entire thickness of each layer 82. In various
embodiments, the shuttle 78 may include a layer of elastomer 86
disposed between each of the concentrically-stacked layers 82 and
completely covering the central cavity 88 of each layer 82 such
that the central cavity 88 of each layer 82 is not in fluid
communication with another.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 5C, another embodiment of the shuttle
78 is shown. In some embodiments, the shuttle 78 may include two
central guide cavities 92, aligned coaxially with the central axis
90, one extending into a top surface 96 of the shuttle 78, and the
other extending into a bottom surface 98 of the shuttle 78. In
various embodiments, the shuttle 78 may also include a layer of
elastomer 94 disposed in each of the two central guide cavities
92.
[0077] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the shuttle 78 shown
in FIGS. 5A and 5B may include two shuttles 62. In some
embodiments, the two shuttles 62 may be those embodiments of the
shuttle 62 shown in FIGS. 4A-4D that have been aligned coaxially
and mated together. In various other embodiments, the two shuttles
may be a different embodiment of the shuttle including, but not
limited to, the various embodiments of the shuttle described
herein.
[0078] Referring now also to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the
shuttle 100 may include two magnets 104 oriented back-to-back and
two posts 102 extending from the outward faces 106 of each magnet
104. Each post 102 may be disposed such that, when the bistable
valve 10 is assembled, the posts 102 may be positioned in both the
first hollow post portion 28 and the second hollow post portion 30.
This may be beneficial/desirable for many reasons, including but
not limited to, eliminating the need for guide cavities in the
shuttle. In some embodiments, each post 102 has a cutout 108 to
facilitate fluid flow from the unsealed orifice.
[0079] Referring now also to FIGS. 6B and 6C, in some embodiments,
the post 103 may be constructed of an elastomer material and may
seal against a shelf 105 disposed within a cavity 107 of the
applicable post 109. In some embodiments, the embodiment of the
elastomer post 103 shown in FIG. 6B may be constructed of a conical
geometry and seals against the shelf 105 of the cavity 107 which
may be constructed of a mating conical geometry as seen in FIG.
6C.
[0080] Referring now also to FIG. 7 in some embodiments, the
shuttle 110 may be encased in a membrane portion 112 and suspended
by a membrane portion 114 in an interior valve cavity 116. The
membrane portion 114, in some embodiments, may be perforated to
allow pressure equalization in the interior valve cavity 116. In
some embodiments, the membrane portion 112 encasing the shuttle 110
may not be perforated, however, and may act as a seal to prevent
fluid communication between the interior valve cavity 116 and
either a first pressure orifice 118 or a second pressure orifice
120. In some embodiments, the membrane may be sandwiched between
the shuttle's sides instead of enveloping the shuttle.
[0081] Referring now also to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view showing
another embodiment of the shuttle 124 is shown. In this embodiment,
the shuttle 124 is actuated to seal either a first pressure orifice
126 or a second pressure orifice 128 through the use of traditional
wound-coil electromagnets 122 instead of flat circuit board-based
electromagnetic coils 34.
[0082] Referring now also to FIG. 9A an embodiment of a valve
system/manifold is shown. In some embodiments, the valve manifold
130 may include an interior valve cavity 131, a first pressure
source 132, a second pressure source 134, a cantilever armature 146
constructed of a ferrous or magnetic material, at least two
electromagnetic coils 144, and a common output orifice 148. In some
embodiments, the first pressure source 132 may include a first
pressure post 136, which, in various embodiments, may be
constructed of a ferrous material, and extends into the interior
valve cavity 131, the interior edge of the first pressure post 136
defining a first pressure orifice 140. In various embodiments, the
first pressure post 136 may be hollow such that the first pressure
source 132 is in fluid communication with the interior valve cavity
131 by way of the first pressure orifice 140. In various
embodiments, the second pressure source 134 may include a second
pressure post 138, which, in some embodiments, may be constructed
of a ferrous material, and extends into the interior valve cavity
131 substantially opposite of the first pressure post 136, the
interior edge of the second pressure post 138 defining a second
pressure orifice 142. In various embodiments, the second pressure
post 138 may be hollow such that the second pressure source 134 is
in fluid communication with the interior valve cavity 131 by way of
the second pressure orifice 142. In various embodiments, the
cantilever armature 146 may extend into the interior valve cavity
131 such that it is disposed between the first pressure orifice 140
and the second pressure orifice 142.
[0083] In various embodiments, a first electromagnetic coil 144 may
be disposed around the first pressure post 136 such that, when the
coil 144 has a current passed through it, the coil 144 energizes
the first pressure post 136 which exerts an attractive force on the
cantilever armature 146. A second electromagnetic coil 144 may be
disposed around the second pressure post 138 such that, when the
coil 144 has a current passed through it, the coil energizes the
second pressure post 138 which exerts an attractive force on the
cantilever armature 146.
[0084] In various embodiments, the cantilever armature 146 may be
either sealed against the first pressure orifice 140 in a first
position, or, alternatively, the armature 146 is sealed against the
second pressure orifice 142 in a second position. In each sealing
position, the armature 146 is held in place by a continuous
magnetic attraction from the armature 146 to either the energized
first pressure post 136 or the energized second pressure post 138,
respectively, such that the fluid communication between the
interior valve cavity 131 and the corresponding first pressure
orifice 140 or the second pressure orifice 142 is eliminated. To
switch the armature 146 from sealing against the first pressure
orifice 140 to sealing against the second pressure orifice 142, the
electromagnetic coil 144 disposed around the first pressure post
136 ceases to be energized and the electromagnetic coil 144
disposed around the second pressure post 138 is energized such that
it supplies a magnetic charge to the second pressure post 138
sufficient to attract the armature 146 to sealing against the
second pressure orifice 142. Similarly, to switch the armature 146
from sealing against the second pressure orifice 142 to sealing
against the first pressure orifice 140, the electromagnetic coil
144 disposed around the second pressure post 138 ceases to be
energized and the electromagnetic coil 144 disposed around the
first pressure post 136 is energized such that it supplies a
magnetic charge to the first pressure post 136 sufficient to
attract the armature 146 to sealing against the first pressure
orifice 140.
[0085] Referring now also to FIG. 9B, another embodiments of the
valve system/manifold is shown. In this embodiment, the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9A further comprises a magnet 150 disposed on the
cantilever armature 146 with the magnetic force vector 155
substantially aligned with an axis 152 defined by the first
pressure post 136 and the second pressure post 138. In some
embodiments, the valve system shown in FIG. 9B may function as a
bistable valve wherein the electromagnetic coils do not need to
continuously energize the pressure post having the currently-sealed
pressure orifice. The armature 146 is held against the sealed
orifice through a static magnetic attraction.
[0086] Referring now also to FIG. 9C another embodiments of the
valve system/manifold is shown. In this embodiment, the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9A further includes a magnet 154 disposed on the
cantilever armature 146 with the magnetic force vector 156
substantially perpendicular to the axis 152. Similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the embodiment in FIG. 9C may also
function as a bistable valve.
[0087] In various embodiments, the valve may be actuated by way of
running a current through an electromagnetic coil, whose subsequent
magnetic flux acts on a ferro fluid.
[0088] In various embodiments, the bistable valve may be actuated
by a plurality of arrays in which a first array comprises a row of
alternating polarity magnets, disposed adjacent to a second array
comprising a row of alternating ferrous and non-ferrous material
such that in one stable position, the ferrous material allows
conductance of one polarity of the magnets, and in a second stable
position, the arrays have shifted so the ferrous material allows
conductance of the opposite polarity of the magnets. Depending on
the magnetic polarity being conducted by the ferrous material, an
adjacent ferrous or magnetic body is either pushed towards or
pulled away from the plurality of arrays. It is this action on the
ferrous body that causes a first stable position in the valve to
occur or a second stable position in the valve to occur. By
suspending the ferrous or magnetic body in an over molded
elastomer, a seal against one or more orifices can be obtained in
either position to allow each of the bistable valve's positions to
occur. The shifting of the arrays may be caused by running a
current through a plurality of piezoelectric crystals attached to
each array. In some embodiments, the arrays may be shifted by other
means/mechanisms/devices such as, but not limited to, one or more
of the following: servos, motors, solenoids, hydraulic means,
pneumatic means, and/or NITINOL wire.
[0089] In some embodiments, the action of the above magnetic body
being pushed or pulled away may be used to compress fluid in a
closed system against a thin membrane that will then deform into a
bubble geometry. In various embodiments, this action may be used to
actuate a valve by sealing the deformed membrane against an orifice
in one position and allowing fluid communication through the
orifice in another, non-deformed geometry.
[0090] In various embodiments, the valve may be actuated using an
electroactive polymer. When the electroactive polymer is energized
by sending current through it, the polymer may expand in one
direction while compressing in another direction and allowing an
attached seal to separate from a valve orifice. This separation
allows fluid communication through the valve from that orifice.
Stopping the current from running through the electroactive polymer
allows the electroactive polymer to return to its original shape,
expanding in the direction in which it previously compressed, and
causing the attached seal to return to the valve orifice, stopping
fluid communication from that orifice. Energizing the electroactive
polymer may be accomplished by over molding electrodes in contact
with the electroactive polymer. In various embodiments, energizing
the electroactive polymer may occur through the use of etched or
printed electrodes in a flat orientation being directly attached to
the electroactive polymer. Multiple layers of these electrodes may
be utilized to achieve optimal control of the electroactive
polymer.
[0091] Referring now also to FIG. 10A, a perspective view of a
plurality of bistable valves 10 according to one embodiment are
arranged in an array 158 wherein the valve manifold 20 is a common
part among multiple bistable valves 10. Referring now also to FIG.
10B, a top view of a circuit board 18 comprising multiple
electromagnetic coils 34 for use in one embodiments of bistable
valves arranged in an array 158 as shown in FIG. 10A. Referring now
also to FIG. 10C, is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of
one embodiments of bistable valves 10 arranged in a valve array 158
and utilizing a common valve manifold 20, wherein the valve
manifold 20 comprises multiple interior valve cavities 32, is
shown.
[0092] In various embodiments, the electromagnetic coils 34 may be
disposed in a flexible circuit board instead of a rigid circuit
board.
[0093] In various embodiments of the various embodiments of the
valve arrays may include two or more bistable valves.
[0094] Referring now also to FIG. 11A, in some embodiments, at
least one bistable valve 10 may be integrated into a system 160.
The bistable valve 10 may be affixed to a system manifold 162 in a
vertical orientation such that the common output orifice 22 is in
fluid communication with the system's pressure input 168. In
various embodiments, the valve system 160 further includes a first
pressure source 164 and a second pressure source 166 for use in the
bistable valve 10, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. The first
pressure source 164 and the second pressure source 166 may be
integrated into the system manifold 162 or, in another embodiment,
may be standalone components in the system 160. In yet another
embodiment, either the first pressure source 164, the second
pressure source 166, or both may be a common source to all or
multiple bistable valves 10 integrated into the system manifold
162.
[0095] Referring now also to FIG. 11B, in some embodiments, at
least one bistable valve 10 may be integrated into a system 160 and
in various embodiments of the system 160, two or more bistable
valves 10 may be integrated into a system 160. In this embodiment,
the bistable valve 10 may be disposed in a horizontal orientation
and directly affixed to the system manifold 162 such that the
common output orifice 22 is in direct fluid communication with the
system's pressure input 168. The system 160 may further includes a
first pressure source 170 and a second pressure source 172 for use
in the bistable valve 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. The first
pressure source 170 and the second pressure source 172 may be
integrated into the system manifold 162 or, in some embodiments,
may be standalone components in the system 160. In some
embodiments, either the first pressure source 170, the second
pressure source 172, or both may be a common source to all or
multiple bistable valves 10 integrated into the system 160.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, in some embodiments, a
plurality of bistable valves 10 may be arranged in an array 180.
This array 180 may utilize common components between the multiple
bistable valves 10, such as a valve manifold comprising an upper
manifold half 182 and a lower manifold half 184. The upper and
lower manifold halves may define multiple interior valve cavities
186, each interior valve cavity 186 corresponding to one bistable
valve assembly. Other common components may include an upper half
track 190 including an upper half track pressure rail 194 and a
lower half track 192 including a lower half track pressure rail
196. The upper half track pressure rail 194 may provide the same
pressure input to each of the upper pressure input posts 198,
wherein each upper pressure input post 198 corresponds to one of
the plurality of bistable valves in the array 180. Similarly, the
lower half track pressure rail 196 may provide the same pressure
input to each of the lower pressure input posts 200, wherein each
lower pressure input post 200 corresponds to one of the plurality
of bistable valves 10 in the array 180. As seen in FIG. 12B, in
various embodiments, adjacent bistable valves may further share
common fasteners 188 constructed of a ferrous material which are
integral to the magnetic return path in the function of each
bistable valve 10 in the array 180.
[0097] In various embodiments, the upper manifold half 182 and
lower manifold half 184 of the current embodiment may be
ultrasonically welded together to create an airtight union between
the two. Similarly, each of the upper half track 190 and the lower
half track 192 may be ultrasonically welded together to create an
airtight union around the respective upper half track pressure rail
194 and lower half track pressure rail 196. The valve manifold and
each of the upper half track 190 and lower half track 192
components may then be assembled to each other using laser
welding.
[0098] As seen in FIG. 12B, some embodiments may include an outer
plate 202 constructed of a ferrous material. The upper and lower
outer plates 202 may be connected by a plurality of common
fasteners 188 also constructed of a ferrous material.
[0099] Referring now also to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, an outer
plate 202 may be employed by an array 180 of bistable valves. In
various embodiments, a plurality of fasteners 188 surrounds the
pressure posts 204 of each valve in the array. Additionally, in
various embodiments, each outer plate may further include a
plurality of directional slits 206. The directional slits 206 may
be arranged such that the magnetic flux paths of two adjacent
valves are directed towards different fasteners 188 to aid in each
valve's function when both are actuated simultaneously. In various
embodiments, staggering adjacent valves' actuation times may be
used to optimize the valves' magnetic flux path flow.
[0100] Referring now also to FIGS. 14A-14C, another embodiment of a
bistable valve structure is shown. The valve 1400 includes an
interior valve cavity 1420 defined by a first housing 1402, a
second housing 1404, and a midbody 1406. Additionally, the valve
1400 includes a plurality of end plates 1408, a shuttle 1410, a
first post 1412, a second post 1414, first pressure inlet 1416, a
second pressure inlet 1418, and a common output orifice 1422.
Further, the bistable valve 1400 includes a first electromagnetic
coil 1424 and a second electromagnetic coil 1426 disposed around
the first and second posts 1412 and 1414, respectively. In various
embodiments, the electromagnetic coils 1424 and 1426 may be flat
electromagnetic coils disposed in a printed circuit board (PCB), or
they may be vertically-oriented wire electromagnetic coils with
wire leads as shown in FIG. 14B. The common output orifice 1422 may
be in constant fluid communication with the valve cavity,
regardless of which position the valve is in. Conversely, the first
and second pressure inlets 1416 and 1418 are either in fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity 1420, and thus, the
common output orifice 1422, or they are sealed from fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity by the shuttle 1410.
When one of the two pressure inlets 1416 and 1418 is in fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity, the other pressure
inlet is sealed by the shuttle.
[0101] The first pressure inlet 1416 and the second pressure inlet
1418 may, in some embodiments, extend through the same side of the
valve 1400 as the common output orifice 1422, as shown in FIG. 14B.
Moreover, the first and second posts 1412 and 1414 may each have an
additional pressure inlet 1428 and 1430, respectively, as shown in
FIG. 14C. The third pressure inlet 1428 may be in constant fluid
communication with the first pressure inlet 1416, while the fourth
pressure inlet may be in constant fluid communication with the
second pressure inlet 1418. In some embodiments, the valve 1400 may
feature a third pressure inlet 1428 and a fourth pressure inlet
1430, each extending through their respective first and second
posts, without the additional first and second pressure inlets 1416
and 1418.
[0102] Referring now also to FIGS. 15A-15B, in some embodiments, a
bistable valve 1500 may include a shuttle 1502 comprising a magnet.
The valve 1500 may further include a first membrane portion 1508
fixedly abutting a first post 1504, and a second membrane portion
1510 fixedly abutting a second post 1506, the first and second
membrane portions 1508 and 1510, as well as the shuttle 1502 being
disposed in an interior valve cavity 1516. The first post 1504 and
the first membrane portion 1508 may be configured to provide fluid
communication from a first pressure inlet 1512 to the interior
valve cavity 1516 when the shuttle 1502 is not sealed against the
first membrane portion 1508. Similarly, the second post 1506 and
the second membrane portion 1510 may be configured to provide fluid
communication from a second pressure inlet 1514 to the interior
valve cavity 1516 when the shuttle 1502 is not sealed against the
second membrane portion 1510. A common output orifice 1518 is in
constant fluid communication with the interior valve cavity 1516,
regardless of which position the shuttle 1502 is in. Conversely,
the first and second pressure inlets 1512 and 1514 are either in
fluid communication with the interior valve cavity 1516, and thus,
the common output orifice 1518, or they are sealed from fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity by the shuttle 1502.
When one of the two pressure inlets 1512, 1514 is in fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity 1518, the other
pressure inlet is sealed by the shuttle 1502.
[0103] Referring now also to FIGS. 16A-16B, in some embodiments, a
bistable valve 1600 may include a shuttle 1602 comprising ferrous
metal. The first post 1604 and the second post 1606 are each
magnets. The valve 1600 may further include a first membrane
portion 1608 fixedly abutting a first post 1604, and a second
membrane portion 1610 fixedly abutting a second post 1606, the
first and second membrane portions 1608 and 1610, as well as the
shuttle 1602 being disposed in an interior valve cavity 1616. The
first post 1604 and the first membrane portion 1608 may be
configured to provide fluid communication from a first pressure
inlet 1612 to the interior valve cavity 1616 when the shuttle 1602
is not sealed against the first membrane portion 1608. Similarly,
the second post 1606 and the second membrane portion 1610 may be
configured to provide fluid communication from a second pressure
inlet 1614 to the interior valve cavity 1616 when the shuttle 1602
is not sealed against the second membrane portion 1610. Output
orifices 1618, 1620 are in constant fluid communication with the
interior valve cavity 1616, regardless of which position the
shuttle 1602 is in. Conversely, the first and second pressure
inlets 1612 and 1614 are either in fluid communication with the
interior valve cavity 1616, and thus, the output orifices 1618,
1620 or they are sealed from fluid communication with the interior
valve cavity by the shuttle 1602. When one of the two pressure
inlets 1612, 1614 is in fluid communication with the interior valve
cavity 1618, the other pressure inlet is sealed by the shuttle
1602. In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16B, the shuttle
1602 may be spherical and may be made from any material as
described above with respect to various embodiments of the shuttle.
In various embodiments, the bistable valve 1600 may include contact
terminals 1622, 1624.
[0104] Referring now also to FIGS. 17A-17E, in some embodiments, a
bistable valve 1700 may include a shuttle 1702 comprising a magnet
portion 1724. The shuttle 1702 may further include a first membrane
portion 1708 which will abut a first post 1704, and a second
membrane portion 1710 which will abut a second post 1706, the first
and second membrane portions 1708 and 1710 attached to the magnet
portion 1724, and the shuttle 1702 is disposed in an interior valve
cavity 1716. The first and second membrane portions 1708, 1710 may
be attached to the magnet portion 1724 using any type of adhesive,
including, but not limited to, double sized tape and or glue. In
various other embodiments, the first and second membrane portions
may be attached using any method of attachment.
[0105] The first post 1704 and the first membrane portion 1708,
which is attached to the magnet portion 1724, may be configured to
provide fluid communication from a first pressure inlet 1712 to the
interior valve cavity 1716 when the shuttle 1702 is not sealed
against the first post 1704. Similarly, the second post 1706 and
the second membrane portion 1710, which is attached to the magnet
portion 1724, may be configured to provide fluid communication from
a second pressure inlet 1714 to the interior valve cavity 1716 when
the shuttle 1702 is not sealed against the second post 1706. Output
orifices 1718, 1720 are in constant fluid communication with the
interior valve cavity 1716, regardless of which position the
shuttle 1702 is in. Conversely, the first and second pressure
inlets 1712 and 1714 are either in fluid communication with the
interior valve cavity 1716, and thus, the output orifices 1718,
1720 or they are sealed from fluid communication with the interior
valve cavity by the shuttle 1702. When one of the two pressure
inlets 1712, 1714 is in fluid communication with the interior valve
cavity 1718, the other pressure inlet is sealed by the shuttle
1702. In various embodiments, the shuttle 1702 may be cylindrical
and may be made from any material as described above with respect
to various embodiments of the shuttle. In various embodiments, the
bistable valve 1700 may include contact terminals 1722, 1724 as
well as coils 1726, 1728 and end bodies 1730, 1732 and end plates
1734, 1736, attached to the end bodies 1730, 1732.
[0106] The first and second posts 1704, 1706 shown in FIGS. 17B and
17E include two different embodiments of creating the two pressure
inlets. In FIG. 17B, the first and second posts 1704, 1706 include
a hole machines in, whereas, in FIG. 17E, the first and second
posts 1704, 1706 include a machine groove, which is a slot and/or
curve cut 1742, 1744.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18B, in various embodiments, one
or more of any of the various embodiments of the bistable valve may
be combined into an array and/or a manifold with multiple bistable
valves 1800. The array 1800 includes one or more bistable valves
including a shuttle 1802, which may be any embodiment of the
shuttle described herein. The manifold 1800 includes end plates
1804, 1806 and a coil assembly 1808, that houses the shuttle 1802
as well as various other elements including, but not limited to,
the interior valve cavity 1810.
[0108] A bistable valve or valve system according to the various
embodiments may be used in many different applications including,
but not limited to, use in a blood pump, hemodialysis machine, seat
cushion, peritoneal dialysis machine and/or other medical device. A
bistable valve or valve system according to the various embodiments
may also be used to inflate a seat cushion in a powered wheelchair
or other device. A bistable valve or valve system according to the
various embodiments may be used in any application requiring the
employment of a traditional standalone pneumatic or
electronically-actuated valve.
[0109] Further, the electromagnetic functionality described above
may be applied to a monostable valve as well, where instead of the
shuttle having a first and a second pressure position, the
monostable valve has an on and an off position with one pressure
source.
[0110] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless,
it will be understood that various modifications may be made.
Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
[0111] Referring now also to FIGS. 19A-19B, various embodiments of
the bistable valve may be intergrated into various assemblies. An
example is shown in FIGS. 19A-19B where an embodiment of the
bistable valve 1906 is integrated into a regulator for a medical
device, for example, a hemodialysis machine. The integration
includes a regulator PCB 1900 that includes the bistable valve
1906, outlet tubing 1902, inlet tubing 1904, a pressure sensor 1910
and a PCB valve adapter block 1908. This is one embodiment of such
an integration, however, one or more embodiments of the bistable
valve may be incorporated into any device and/or used in
conjunction with any device. In practice, one pressure inlet is
blocked and the pressure is regulated using the inlet tubing 1904
and the outlet tubing 1902.
[0112] Referring now also to FIGS. 20A-20C, in some embodiments, a
bistable valve 2000 may include a shuttle comprising a magnet
portion 2024. The shuttle may further include a first membrane
portion 2008 which will abut a first post 2004, and a second
membrane portion 2010 which will abut a second post 2006, the first
and second membrane portions 2008 and 2010 attached to the magnet
portion 2024, and the shuttle is disposed in an interior valve
cavity 2016. The first post 2004 and the first membrane portion
2008, which is attached to the magnet portion 2024, may be
configured to provide fluid communication from a first pressure
inlet 2012 to the interior valve cavity 2016 when the shuttle is
not sealed against the first post 2004. Similarly, the second post
2006 and the second membrane portion 2010, which is attached to the
magnet portion 2024, may be configured to provide fluid
communication from a second pressure inlet 2014 to the interior
valve cavity 2016 when the shuttle is not sealed against the second
post 2006. Output orifices 2018, 2020 are in constant fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity 2016, regardless of
which position the shuttle is in. Conversely, the first and second
pressure inlets 2012 and 2014 are either in fluid communication
with the interior valve cavity 2016, and thus, the output orifices
2018, 2020 or they are sealed from fluid communication with the
interior valve cavity by the shuttle. When one of the two pressure
inlets 2012, 2014 is in fluid communication with the interior valve
cavity 2016, the other pressure inlet is sealed by the shuttle. In
various embodiments, the shuttle may be cylindrical and may be made
from any material as described above with respect to various
embodiments of the shuttle. In various embodiments, the bistable
valve 2000 may include contact terminals 2022, 2024 as well as
coils 2026, 2028 and end bodies 2030, 2032 and end plates 2034,
2036, attached to the end plates 2030, 2032. In various
embodiments, the bistable valve 2000 may also include at least one
gasket seal 2038 and at least one face seal 2040. In various
embodiments, the seals may be any type of seal and in various
embodiments, there may be more than one seal in the bistable valve
2000. In various embodiments, the bistable valve 2000 may also
include locating pins 2042, 2044 as well as a tie bar/screw 2046
and an end body housing 2048. In some embodiments, the tie
bar/screw 2046 attaches the end plates 2034, 2036 to the end body
housing 2048, however, in various other embodiments, various
methods of attachment may be used including adhesive, bolts,
screws, pins, etc.
[0113] Referring now also to FIGS. 21A-21C, in some embodiments, a
bistable valve 2100 may include a shuttle 2102 comprising a two
magnet portions 2124, 2125 which are opposing magnet portions 2124,
2125. The shuttle may further include a first membrane portion 2108
attached to the first magnet portion 2125 which will abut a first
post 2104, and a second membrane portion 2110 attached to the
second magnet portion 2124 which will abut a second post 2106. The
shuttle 2102 is disposed in an interior valve cavity 2116. The
first post 2104 and the first membrane portion 2108, which is
attached to the first magnet portion 2125, may be configured to
provide fluid communication from a first pressure inlet 2112 to the
interior valve cavity 2116 when the shuttle 2102 is not sealed
against the first post 2104. Similarly, the second post 2106 and
the second membrane portion 2110, which is attached to the second
magnet portion 2124, may be configured to provide fluid
communication from a second pressure inlet 2114 to the interior
valve cavity 2116 when the shuttle 2102 is not sealed against the
second post 2106. In various embodiments the first post 2104 and
second post 2106 each include an air port 2152, 2154. In some
embodiments of this embodiment, the first post 2104 and the second
post 2106 may not include the air ports 2152, 2154. Output orifice
2118 is in constant fluid communication with the interior valve
cavity 2116, regardless of which position the shuttle is in.
Conversely, the first and second pressure inlets 2112 and 2114 are
either in fluid communication with the interior valve cavity 2116,
and thus, the output orifice 2118 or they are sealed from fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity 2116 by the shuttle
2102. When one of the two pressure inlets 2112, 2114 is in fluid
communication with the interior valve cavity 2116, the other
pressure inlet is sealed by the shuttle 2102. In various
embodiments, the shuttle may be cylindrical and may be made from
any material as described above with respect to various embodiments
of the shuttle. In various embodiments, the bistable valve 2100 may
include contact terminals 2122, 2124 as well as coils 2126, 2128
and end bodies 2130, 2132 and end plates 2134, 2136, attached to
the end bodies 2130, 2132. In various embodiments, the bistable
valve 2100 may also include at least one gasket seal 2138 and at
least one face seal 2140. In various embodiments, the seals may be
any type of seal and in various embodiments, there may be more than
one seal in the bistable valve 2100. In various embodiments, the
bistable valve 2100 may also include locating pins as well as a tie
bar/screw (not shown) and an end body housing 2048. In some
embodiments, the tie bar/screw attaches the end plates 2134, 2136
to the end body housing 2148, however, in various other
embodiments, various methods of attachment may be used including
adhesive, bolts, screws, pins, etc.
[0114] In various embodiments of the various bistable valves
described herein, the coil may be PCB-based flat coils (i.e., coils
printed on a circuit board) or wire wound coils.
[0115] In various embodiments, stabilizing features may be added to
the membrane and/or to the valve seat to assist in sealing the
shuttle on the valve seat. Stabilizing features may include, but
are not limited to, bumps, nobs, posts, etc. Referring now again to
FIG. 17E, in some embodiments, the bistable valve 1700 may include
stabilizing features 1740. Although not shown in all figures,
stabilizing features may be included in any embodiment.
[0116] In various embodiments, any of the magnets shown as part of
the shuttle may include embodiments where the magnets are stacked,
i.e., more than one magnet forms the magnetic portion of the
shuttle. In various embodiments, the size, shape and thickness of
the magnet may vary the force, whether opposing or attracting, of
the magnet. Therefore, in various embodiments, the size, shape and
or thickness of the magnet may vary.
[0117] In various embodiments, the where two magnets are shown,
they may be replaced by one magnet and where one magnet is shown,
it may be replaced by two magnets. The various embodiments include
various features. One or more features from one embodiment may be
combined with one or more features from one or more other
embodiment to form other embodiments.
[0118] In various embodiments, the posts may be any shape including
those shown as well as other shapes, including, but not limited to
pointed.
[0119] While the principles of the invention have been described
herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that
this description is made only by way of example and not as a
limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition
to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
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