Method and apparatus for actuating a valve
AssigneeFluid Automation Systems S.A.
InventorsNicolas Deperraz, Sadasing Kowlessur, Michael Baumgartner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve (100), including a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (103) formed in a housing (101) is provided. The valve (100) includes a valve seal (209) and a resilient member (207). The resilient member (207) is coupled to the valve seal (209). The valve (100) can also include one or more shape memory alloy component (206) or another electrically actuated component that is coupled to at least a first end (214) of the resilient member (207).
Claims23
A valve (100), including a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (103) formed in a housing (101), the valve (100) comprising:
- a valve seal (209);
- a resilient member (207) coupled to the valve seal (209);
- and
- one or more shape memory alloy components (206) coupled to at least a first end (214) of the resilient member (207).
A valve (100), including a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (103) formed in a housing (101), the valve (100) comprising:
- a valve seal (209);
- a resilient member (207) coupled to the valve seal (209);
- and
- an electrically actuated component (206) coupled to the resilient member (207).
A method for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve, comprising the steps of:
- energizing at least a first shape memory alloy component above a transformation temperature, wherein the shape memory alloy component transforms from a first state to a second state at the transformation temperature;
- deforming at least a portion of a resilient member from a first position to at least a second position using the first shape memory alloy component as the shape memory alloy transforms from the first state to the second state;
- and
- actuating a valve seal away from a first valve seal position with the resilient member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.