Cummins Engine Company, Inc.

Byron J Bunker

Donald J Benson

David L Buchanan

Laszlo D Tikk

Rod Radovanovic

Amarjit S Ghuman

John M Janssen

A system and a method for hydraulic actuation of poppet valves. The poppet valve is opened by application of hydraulic pressure to a piston, and is closed by action of a mechanical spring. Hydraulic pressure comes from either a high pressure source of a low pressure source, the low pressure source being higher than ambient pressure. Application of hydraulic pressure is made by a pressure control device based upon signals received from an electronic controller. Hydraulic pressure is applied in a way that minimizes the power required to actuate the valve by making use of valve inertia.

Dual-pressure hydraulic valve-actuation system

A solenoid actuated valve assembly is provided which achieves accurate control of valve movement while maximizing valve seat life. Specifically, the solenoid actuated flow control valve assembly includes a valve plunger, a solenoid actuator including a coil and an armature, and an armature overtravel feature for permitting continued movement of the armature relative to the valve plunger from an engaged position into a disengaged position when the valve plunger reaches a closed position. The armature overtravel feature includes an overtravel biasing spring for returning the armature from the disengaged position to the engaged position prior to subsequent energization of the actuator coil. As a result, the overtravel feature minimizes the mass impacting the valve seat thereby extending valve seat life while, importantly, avoiding lost motion in the armature during the next actuation cycle thereby minimizing valve response time. The flow control valve also includes an armature protecting feature for minimizing armature wear by preventing the armature from contacting the valve plunger and an armature stop.

Solenoid actuated flow control valve assembly

Growing community of inventors

Columbus, IN, United States of America

Byron J Bunker