Fluid management system

US12104703B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LEGGETT & PLATT CANADA CO. · CA

Inventors

• Stefano Nicola · Windsor, CA
• Daniel Schmitz · Altdorf, DE
• Maxime Samain · Emelgem, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 2020
• Grant date: Oct 1, 2024
• Expiry date: Jun 26, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/86622
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fluid management system includes a housing with a first port, a second port, and a third port, and a valve body moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position. The valve body is configured to seal the third port and permit fluid flow between the first and second ports in the first position, and to seal the first port and permit fluid flow between the second and third ports in the second position. The system further includes an actuator coupled to the valve body. The actuator includes a shape memory alloy material. A biasing element is coupled to the valve body to bias the valve body toward one of the first or second positions. The actuator is configured to move the valve body to one of the first or second positions against a biasing force of the biasing element in response to heating the actuator.