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US 10,851,908 B2Granted
Fluid routing device having a valve with first and second permanent magnets
AssigneeKongsberg Automotive AB
InventorDouglas J. Wheeler
Life of this patent
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AssigneeKongsberg Automotive AB
InventorDouglas J. Wheeler
Estimating the term…
A fluid routing device (20) directs the transportation of a fluid. The fluid routing device includes a housing (22) having an opening (40) with a seat (38), and a valve (42) opening and closing the opening. The valve includes a first permanent magnet (56) having a first magnetic coercivity and a first polarity and a second permanent magnet (58) having a second magnetic coercivity lower than the first magnetic coercivity of the first permanent magnet such that the second permanent magnet has a second polarity capable of switching between a complimentary configuration oriented in a common direction as the first polarity, and a reversed configuration oriented in an opposite direction from the first polarity. A coil (59) surrounds at least the second permanent magnet. The coil is configured to orient the second polarity in the complimentary configuration when electric current passes in a first direction and in the reversed configuration when electric current passes in a second direction.
A fluid routing device for directing the transportation of a fluid, said fluid routing device comprising:
A valve for use with a housing having an opening with a seat disposed about said opening for selectively transporting a fluid therethrough, with said valve coupled to the housing and selectively opening and closing the opening of the housing;
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Using a magnet , e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid: using a permanent magnet
Details or parts not otherwise provided for: hydro-pneumatic adjustments of the shape
Operated by separate actuating members: with an actuating member for each valve, e.g. interconnected to form multiple-way valves
Operated by separate actuating members: with an electromagnetically-operated valve, e.g. for washing machines
About 10 years 9 months of term left · ends 17 Jul 2037 (estimated)
A fluid routing device for directing the transportation of a fluid.
There is a desire within industries implementing fluid transportation to provide for a fluid routing device which can alter the flow path of a fluid. A popular method of altering the flow path of a fluid is through a valve. The valve selectively fluidly couples two fluid cavities through a port. Many techniques have been used to alternate the valve for selectively fluidly coupling the two fluid cavities. One solution in the industry involves a solenoid. The solenoid uses electric current to produce a magnetic field which moves the valve (which is formed of a magnetically permeable material) between an open positions and a closed position. More specifically, the valve is biased toward the closed position. The magnetic field produced by the solenoid moves the valve against the bias to the open position.
Although effective, continuous electrical energy is required to maintain the solenoid in an energized state in order to retain the valve in the open position. Therefore, there remains a need to provide an improved fluid routing device.
Advantages of the subject invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid routing device having a plurality of valves.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve including a bobbin, a coil, a plunger, a biasing member, and a frame within an interior of the housing.
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a fluid routing device 20 for directing the transportation of a fluid is generally shown in FIG. 1. The fluid routing device 20 is typically disposed within a vehicle for transporting at least one occupant. The vehicle is further defined as a passenger car, a truck, or any other configuration for providing transportation. The vehicle includes at least one seat disposed within the vehicle for supporting the occupant(s) with the seat having a cell capable of inflating and deflating. The fluid routing device 20 typically directs the transportation of the fluid into and out of the cell for inflating and deflating the cell. Inflation and deflation of the cell varies the support given through the seat to the occupant. The fluid is typically a gas. However, it is to be appreciated that the fluid can be a liquid or any other configuration transportable to and from the cell.
It is to be appreciated that application of the fluid routing device 20 is not limited to within the vehicle. Furthermore, the cell is not limited to application within the seat. As such, the fluid routing device 20 can be disposed in any configuration for transporting the fluid to any configuration of the cell.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid routing device 20 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 may define an interior 24. The interior 24 may have a first section 26 and a second section 28 fluidly separated from one another; however, one having skill in art will appreciate that the interior 24 may have any number of sections. The housing 22 may further define at least one corridor 30. The housing 22 may include a plurality of nozzles 34, 36. The nozzles 34, 36 may be fluidly coupled with the at least one corridor 30. The nozzles 34, 36 may extend outwardly from the housing 22 substantially parallel to one another.