High-temperature and high-vibration capable armature assemblies for torque motor valve actuators with increased winding volume

A torque motor valve actuator for use with a valve assembly, the torque motor valve actuator comprising:

• an armature spring having a first end portion, a second end portion and a rigid central portion, the first end portion and the second end portion coupled to the rigid central portion by a respective flexible portion, the rigid central portion defining a bore that extends along a first axis;
• an armature having a first end and a second end, the armature extending along a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis of the bore, and the armature is fixedly coupled to the bore of the armature spring between the first end and the second end;
• and
• a flapper element coupled to the second end of the armature such that rotation of the armature moves the flapper element.

A torque motor valve actuator for use with a valve assembly, the torque motor valve actuator comprising:

• an armature spring having a first end portion, a second end portion and a rigid central portion, the first end portion and the second end portion coupled to the rigid central portion by a respective flexible portion, the rigid central portion defining a bore that extends along a first axis, the rigid central portion of the armature spring includes a first rigid portion end and a second rigid portion end and the bore is defined between the first rigid portion end and the second rigid portion end;
• an armature having a first end and a second end, the armature extending along a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis of the bore, and the armature is coupled to the bore of the armature spring between the first end and the second end;
• an actuator housing that defines a first bore that extends from a first housing end to a second housing end and receives the armature, and a second bore defined between the first housing end and the second housing end that intersects the first bore and receives the armature spring;
• at least one magnetic pole piece is positioned at the first housing end;
• at least one second magnetic pole piece positioned at the second housing end;
• and
• at least one coil wound about at least a portion of the actuator housing between the first housing end and the second housing end so as to be spaced a distance apart from and disposed external to the at least one magnetic pole piece and the at least one second magnetic pole piece.