Thermal bypass valve using shape memory alloys
US9951858B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01M5/007
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transmission fluid circuit for regulating the flow of a fluid includes a transmission, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a spool, and an actuator including a smart material. The spool is movable inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The smart material is configured to be in an activated state in response to the fluid exhibiting at least a first temperature and to be in a deactivated state in response to the fluid being a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature. The fluid flows from the housing to the transmission and from the transmission to the housing when the spool is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler, from the cooler to the transmission, and from the transmission to the housing when the spool is in the second position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.