Low profile miniature solenoid proportional valve

A solenoid proportional valve comprising:

• a valve body defining an inlet and an outlet for a fluid flow through the valve body;
• an armature having a longitudinal axis, the armature being moveable along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is a closed position in which the armature is against the valve body to prevent fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, and the second position is an open position in which the armature is moved away from the valve body to permit fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet;
• a flux can;
• a solenoid coil positioned within the flux can, wherein the solenoid coil is a free standing coil that is fitted into a frame of the flux can;
• wherein when the solenoid coil is energized, a magnetic field is created which causes the armature to move away from the first position against the valve body, thereby opening the valve;
• a flux washer;
• and
• a spring having an outer edge that is secured by the flux washer, the flux washer acting as a spring pivot that permits flexing of the spring;
• wherein when the solenoid coil is energized the magnetic field causes the armature to move away from the first position against the spring force of the spring, thereby opening the valve.