Acutex, Inc.

David L Anderson

Paul Anders Christensen

Method and apparatus are described for a variable force solenoid for controlling the flow of a fluid in a housing having a bore for receiving the fluid flow, at least one port for exhausting the fluid flow, and a seat extending between the port and the bore. The solenoid includes a valve member disposed in the housing. In a closed position, the valve member is engaged with the seat, preventing fluid flow from the bore to the port. In an open position, the valve member is not engaged with the seat, allowing fluid flow from the bore to the port. A subassembly is disposed in the housing and surrounds a portion of the valve member for moving the valve member to its closed position. The subassembly has a movable armature for engaging the valve member, an annular member for attracting the armature, and a gap defined between the armature and the annular member. The gap is maintained by engagement of the armature by the valve member. A coil is disposed in the housing radially outward from the subassembly. Reception of electric current by the coil produces magnetic flux, thereby attracting the armature to the annular member, and thus moving the valve member to the closed position.

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Whitehall, MI, United States of America

David L Anderson