Pressure balance of automotive air bypass valve

A method of balancing pressure in a solenoid device, the method comprising:

• providing a solenoid assembly including a stator and a coil constructed and arranged to be energized to generate a magnetic field,
• providing an armature structure constructed and arranged to move with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position, defining a working gap area between the coil and a portion of the armature structure, to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil, the armature structure including a proximal end and a distal end,
• providing a seal structure coupled with proximal end of the armature structure, the seal structure having a sealing edge constructed and arranged to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof,
• biasing the armature structure to the closed position, and
• ensuring that under certain operating conditions of the device, pressure is balanced between the working gap area and an area defined adjacent to 1) the sealing edge, and 2) the distal end of the armature structure,
• wherein the step of ensuring that pressure is balanced includes providing pressure balancing structure comprises:
• a first port extending axially through the seal structure and the armature structure,
• a second port in communication with and extending transversely from the first port, the second port extending to a periphery of the stem portion such that under certain conditions, the second port can communicate with the with the working gap area, and
• a passage, external of the armature, communicating the working gap area with the area defined adjacent to the distal end of the armature.