Systems and methods for controlling operation of a valve
US11241706B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2019 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7761
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A drive circuit is provided for controlling a solenoid valve having a solenoid coil. The drive circuit includes a first semiconductor device, a flyback circuit, and a processor. The first semiconductor is coupled in series with the coil and is controlled by a gate signal to energize the coil. The flyback circuit is in parallel with the coil and includes a series-coupled second semiconductor device and a diode. The second semiconductor is controlled by a flyback control signal to enable the flyback circuit when the first semiconductor is controlled by the gate signal to hold the valve open. The diode has a low forward voltage to slow decay of a current conducted through the coil. The processor generates the gate signal to control the first semiconductor and to reduce a duty cycle of the gate signal when the flyback circuit is enabled to reduce power consumption by the coil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.