Bistable hydraulic solenoid valve

Abstract

A bistable hydraulic solenoid valve has a spool that transitions between two positions, which it holds in one of the two positions under attractive magnetic force when the solenoids are not energized. The spool has a first permanent magnet attached to one end and a second permanent magnet attached to the other end, so that the first permanent magnet faces the first solenoid and the second permanent magnet faces the second solenoid. The first solenoid is energized to have a first polarity and the second solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity to simultaneously push and pull the spool within a valve body between a first position that establishes a first flow path and a second position that establishes a second flow path for hydraulic fluid to flow through the valve body and the spool.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of hydraulic systems, and in particular to valves for use in such systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric motor operated hydraulic valves are used for various purposes in machines including aircraft. Motors in such valves can be actuated to open and close the valve to a desired position or extent, thereby achieving a desired flow path through the valve. While effective for these purposes, these electric motors can be heavy, bulky, expensive, complex to manufacture, and energy consuming. In the case where such valves are installed in an aircraft, the size and weight of these electric motors can adversely affect fuel economy. The cumulative effect of this additional size and weight of electric motors in such valves throughout the overall hydraulic system on an aircraft can be significant. SUMMARY

[0003] To address the above problems, according to one aspect of the subject disclosure, a hydraulic valve is provided that includes a valve body and a bistable spool. The spool is disposed within the valve body and includes a first permanent magnet attached to a first spool end of the spool and a second permanent magnet attached to a second spool end of the spool. The hydraulic valve further includes a first solenoid positioned proximate the first spool end and a second solenoid positioned proximate the second spool end. In a first mode of operation, the first solenoid is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the first permanent magnet, and the second solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity to repel the second permanent magnet, thereby enabling the first and second solenoids to simultaneously push and pull the spool between a first position and a second position.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for operating a spool of a hydraulic valve, the spool being disposed within a valve body and including a first permanent magnet attached to a first spool end of the spool and a second permanent magnet attached to a second spool end of the spool, the hydraulic valve further including a first solenoid positioned proximate the first spool end of the spool, a second solenoid positioned proximate the second spool end of the spool. The first and second solenoids are cooperatively drivable to move the spool within the valve body to transition between a first position and a second position. The first permanent magnet is operable to maintain the spool in the second position and the second permanent magnet is operable to maintain the spool in the first position when the first and second solenoids are de-energized. The method includes, in response to receiving a first instruction to move the spool from the second position to the first position, energizing the first and second solenoids to move the spool to the first position. The method further includes, in response to receiving a second instruction to move the spool from the first position to the second position, energizing the first and second solenoids to move the spool to the second position.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an aircraft system includes: a pump; a hydraulic fluid reservoir; an actuator configured to control a controlled component; and a hydraulic valve fluidly coupled to the pump and the hydraulic fluid reservoir and operatively coupled to the actuator. The hydraulic valve includes a valve body and a bistable valve spool. The valve spool is disposed within the valve body and includes a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve spool end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve spool end. The hydraulic valve also includes a first solenoid positioned adjacent to the first valve spool end and a second solenoid positioned adjacent to the second valve spool end. The first and second solenoids are cooperatively actuated to move the valve spool within the valve body to switch between a first position and a second position. When the first and second solenoids are not energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve spool in the second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve spool in the first position.

[0006] The features, functions, and advantages already discussed can be implemented independently in various embodiments or combined in other embodiments, further details of which can be seen in the following description and figures. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1A An illustration is shown depicting a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic valve in a first position according to a first embodiment disclosed in this subject matter.

[0008] Figure 1B The illustration depicts Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the hydraulic valve in the second position.

[0009] Figure 2A An illustration showing a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic valve in a first position, according to a second embodiment disclosed in this subject matter, is shown.

[0010] Figure 2B The illustration depicts Figure 2A The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic valve in the second position.

[0011] Figure 3 An illustration is shown depicting a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic valve in a second position according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4A Exemplary axial views of the solenoid face of the first solenoid and the solenoid face of the second solenoid according to the first and second embodiments disclosed in this subject matter are shown respectively.

[0013] Figure 4B Exemplary axial views of the solenoid face of the first solenoid and the solenoid face of the second solenoid according to the third embodiment disclosed in this subject matter are shown respectively.

[0014] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an example embodiment of the use of a hydraulic valve according to a first, second, or third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary aircraft according to a first, second, or third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a method performed according to an example embodiment disclosed in this subject matter is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Based on the above discussion, and referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, a three-way hydraulic valve 10 is provided, comprising a valve core 30, a first solenoid 12, a second solenoid 22, and a valve body 56. The valve core 30 includes a spool body 31 formed along a lengthwise axis. The valve core 30 includes a first permanent magnet 36 attached to a first valve core end 32 of the spool body 31. The first permanent magnet 36 includes a first magnetic surface 38. The valve core further includes a second permanent magnet 46 attached to a second valve core end 34 of the spool body 31. The second permanent magnet 46 includes a second magnetic surface 48. The first valve core end 32 and the second valve core end 34 are arranged at opposite ends of the spool body 31. The first solenoid 12 is positioned adjacent to the first valve core end 32 of the valve core 30, and the second solenoid 22 is positioned adjacent to the second valve core end 34 of the valve core 30.

[0018] The first solenoid 12 includes a first core 14 and a first coil 18. The first core 14 includes a first solenoid surface 16 facing a first magnetic surface 38 of a first permanent magnet 36. The first coil 18 is wound around the first core 14 and configured to generate a first magnetic flux when energized. The first core 14 includes a non-magnetic portion 14b around its periphery. The second solenoid 22 includes a second core 24 and a second coil 28. The second core 24 includes a second solenoid surface 26 facing a second magnetic surface 48 of a second permanent magnet 46. The second coil 28 is wound around the second core 24 and configured to generate a second magnetic flux when energized. The second core 24 includes a non-magnetic portion 24b around its periphery. Each corresponding core 14, 24 of the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 may include steel in at least a portion thereof. The steel may be a low-carbon steel with a high manganese content, such as 1018 cold-rolled steel. The first coil 18 and the second coil 28 may include magnetic conductors.

[0019] The valve core 30 is disposed within the valve body 56 between the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22. The valve core 30 can be positioned along the longitudinal axis A1 in a first position ( Figure 1A (depicted in the middle) and the second position ( Figure 1B The valve core 30 moves between the two positions (as depicted in the diagram). In other words, in the first operating mode, the first solenoid 12 is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the first permanent magnet 36, and the second solenoid 22 is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the second permanent magnet 46, thereby enabling the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 to simultaneously push and pull the valve core 30 within the valve body 56 between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 can be cooperatively driven to move the valve core 30 between the first position and the second position. In the second operating mode, the second solenoid 22 is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the second permanent magnet 46, and the first solenoid 12 is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the first permanent magnet 36, so that the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 can simultaneously pull and push the valve core 30 between the second position and the first position. The first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 are energized such that the first magnetic flux generated by the first solenoid 12 and the second magnetic flux generated by the second solenoid 22 have opposite polarities. This causes one end of the valve core 30 to be attracted to one solenoid while the other end of the valve core 30 is repelled from the other solenoid. The valve core 30 is bistable, so that it is maintained in a first position by a first magnetic force generated between the second core 24 and the second permanent magnet 46, or in a second position by a second magnetic force generated between the first core 14 and the first permanent magnet 36. When the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 are de-energized, the first permanent magnet 36 is operable to maintain the valve core 30 in the second position, and the second permanent magnet 46 is operable to maintain the valve core 30 in the first position.

[0020] The first permanent magnet 36 and the second permanent magnet 46 each comprise a rare-earth magnet, which may include neodymium. The first magnetic surface 38 and the second magnetic surface 48 may each have a diameter in the range of 0.25 to 1 inch. The thickness of the first permanent magnet 36 may be equal to the thickness of the second permanent magnet 46. The diameter of the first permanent magnet 36 may be equal to the diameter of the second permanent magnet 46. The thickness-to-diameter ratio of the first permanent magnet 36 and the second permanent magnet 46 may be between 1.5:1 and 3:1, respectively. The valve body 56 comprises steel. The steel may be hardened steel, such as 440C steel.

[0021] The first permanent magnet 36 and the second permanent magnet 46 are respectively fixed to the valve core 30 by the first cylindrical cup 39 and the second cylindrical cup 49. Specifically, the first permanent magnet 36 and the second permanent magnet 46 are respectively fixed to the first valve core end 32 and the second valve core end 34 of the core 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cylindrical cup 39 is fixed to the valve core 30 by a first fastener 60, and the second cylindrical cup 49 is fixed to the valve core 30 by a second fastener 62. However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that the first cylindrical cup 39 may additionally or alternatively be fixed to the valve core 30 by an adhesive, and the second cylindrical cup 49 may additionally or alternatively be fixed to the valve core 30 by an adhesive.

[0022] Reference Figure 1A In the first position, a first flow path F1 is established through the valve body 56 and the valve core 30 to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the first flow path F1. In the first position, the first solenoid surface 16 is spaced apart from the first magnetic surface 38, defining a fluid gap between the first solenoid surface 16 and the first magnetic surface 38, and the second solenoid surface 26 contacts the second magnetic surface 48. The valve body 56 defines a first port R, a second port P, and a third port C for hydraulic fluid. In the first position, the inner surface of the valve core 30 abuts against the valve body 56, causing the flow of hydraulic fluid through the first port R to stop. When the valve core 30 is in the first position, the valve core 30 provides the first flow path F1 between the second port P and the third port C.

[0023] Reference Figure 1B In this second position, a second flow path F2 is established through the valve body 56 and the valve core 30, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow through the second flow path F2. In this second position, the second solenoid surface 26 is spaced apart from the second magnetic surface 48, defining a fluid gap between them, and the first solenoid surface 16 is in contact with the first magnetic surface 38. In this second position, the inner surface of the valve core 30 abuts against the valve body 56, causing the flow of hydraulic fluid through the second port to stop. When the valve core 30 is in the second position, it provides a second flow path F2 between the first port R and the third port C.

[0024] Hydraulic valve 10 is controlled by a controller and / or processor 40, which is operatively coupled to a first coil 18 and a second coil 28 to control the operation of both the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22, thereby moving valve core 30 between a first position and a second position. To position valve core 30 in the first position, processor 40 energizes the second coil 28 to generate a second magnetic flux, thereby attracting the second magnetic surface 48 to the second solenoid surface 26. Processor 40 also energizes the first coil 18 to generate a first magnetic flux with a polarity opposite to the second magnetic flux, causing the first magnetic surface 38 to be repelled by the first solenoid surface 16. Once valve core 30 is positioned in the first position, both the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 are de-energized, and valve core 30 is maintained in the first position by a first magnetic force generated between the second core 24 and the second permanent magnet 46. To position the valve core 30 in the second position, the processor 40 energizes the second coil 28 to generate a second magnetic flux, thereby repelling the second magnetic surface 48 from the second solenoid surface 26. The processor 40 also energizes the first coil 18 to generate a first magnetic flux with the opposite polarity to the second magnetic flux, attracting the first magnetic surface 38 to the first solenoid surface 16. Once the valve core 30 is positioned in the second position, both the first solenoid 12 and the second solenoid 22 are de-energized, and the valve core 30 is maintained in the second position by the second magnetic force generated between the first core 14 and the first permanent magnet 36. Therefore, the valve core 30 is pushed and pulled back and forth between the first and second positions.

[0025] Processor 40 causes first coil 18 to generate a first magnetic flux by supplying power to first coil 18, and processor 40 also causes second coil 28 to generate a second magnetic flux by supplying power to second coil 28. This power can be, for example, 28 volts of direct current (DC) power. It should be understood that, in operation, the polarity of the magnetic flux generated by first coil 18 is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic flux generated by second coil 28. Furthermore, it should be understood that the polarities of first coil 18 and second coil 28 can be reversed so that valve spool 30 can switch between a first position and a second position. As an example, in one operating mode, first coil 18 can be operated to pull valve spool 30, while second coil 28 operates simultaneously with opposite polarity to push valve spool 30. In a second operating mode, first coil 18 can be operated to push valve spool 30, while second coil 28 operates simultaneously with opposite polarity to pull valve spool 30. As used herein, the term "opposite polarity" means that current flows through first coil 18 in a first direction and current flows through second coil 28 in a second opposite direction. Therefore, the direction of the current passing through each of the first coil 18 and the second coil 28 can be reversed based on the desired position of the valve core 30.

[0026] Reference Figure 2A andFigure 2B A four-way hydraulic valve 110 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, comprising a valve core 130, a first solenoid 112, a second solenoid 122, and a valve body 156. The valve core 130 includes a core 131 formed along a longitudinal axis A2; a first permanent magnet 136 attached to a first valve core end 132 of the core 131 and including a first magnetic surface 138; and a second permanent magnet 146 attached to a second valve core end 134 of the core 131 and including a second magnetic surface 148. The first valve core end 32 and the second valve core end 34 are arranged at opposite ends of the core 131. The first solenoid 112 is positioned adjacent to the first valve core end 132 of the valve core 130, and the second solenoid 122 is positioned adjacent to the second valve core end 134 of the valve core 130.

[0027] The first solenoid 112 includes a first core 114 and a first coil 118. The first core 114 includes a first solenoid surface 116 facing a first magnetic surface 138 of a first permanent magnet 136. The first coil 118 is wound around the first core 114 and configured to generate a first magnetic flux when energized. The first core 114 includes a non-magnetic portion 114b surrounding the first core 114. The second solenoid 122 includes a second core 124 and a second coil 128. The second core 124 includes a second solenoid surface 126 facing a second magnetic surface 148 of a second permanent magnet 146. The second coil 128 is wound around the second core 124 and configured to generate a second magnetic flux when energized. The second core 124 includes a non-magnetic portion 124b surrounding the second core 124. Each corresponding core 114, 124 of the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 may include steel in at least a portion thereof. The steel can be a low-carbon steel with a high manganese content, such as 1018 cold-rolled steel. The first coil 118 and the second coil 128 may include magnetic wires.

[0028] The valve core 130 is arranged in the valve body 156 between the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122. The valve core 130 can be positioned along the longitudinal axis A2 at a first position ( Figure 2A (shown in) and second position ( Figure 2B(As shown in the diagram) In other words, in the first operating mode, the first solenoid 112 is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the first permanent magnet 136, and the second solenoid 122 is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the second permanent magnet 146, thereby enabling the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 to simultaneously push and pull the valve core 130 within the valve body 156 between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 can cooperatively drive to move the valve core 130 to switch between the first position and the second position. In the second operating mode, the second solenoid 122 is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the second permanent magnet 146, and the first solenoid 112 is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the first permanent magnet 136, so that the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 can simultaneously pull and push the valve core 130 between the second position and the first position. When the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 are energized, the first magnetic flux generated by the first solenoid 112 and the second magnetic flux generated by the second solenoid 122 have opposite polarities. This causes one end of the valve core 130 to be attracted to one solenoid while the other end of the valve core 130 is repelled from the other solenoid. The valve core 130 is bistable, so that it is maintained in a first position by a first magnetic force generated between the second core 124 and the second permanent magnet 146, or in a second position by a second magnetic force generated between the first core 114 and the first permanent magnet 136. When the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 are de-energized, the first permanent magnet 136 is operable to maintain the valve core 130 in the second position, and the second permanent magnet 146 is operable to maintain the valve core 130 in the first position.

[0029] The first permanent magnet 136 and the second permanent magnet 146 may each comprise a rare-earth magnet, which may include neodymium or other materials. The first magnetic surface 138 and the second magnetic surface 148 may each have a diameter in the range of 0.25 inches to 1 inch. The thickness of the first permanent magnet 136 may be equal to the thickness of the second permanent magnet 146. The diameter of the first permanent magnet 136 may be equal to the diameter of the second permanent magnet 146. The thickness-to-diameter ratio of the first permanent magnet 136 and the second permanent magnet 146 may be between 1.5:1 and 3:1, respectively. The valve body 156 comprises steel. The steel may be hardened steel, such as 440C steel.

[0030] The first permanent magnet 136 and the second permanent magnet 146 are respectively fixed to the valve core 130 by the first cylindrical cup 139 and the second cylindrical cup 149, respectively. Specifically, the first permanent magnet 136 and the second permanent magnet 146 are respectively fixed to the first valve core end 132 and the second valve core end 134 of the core 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cylindrical cup 139 is fixed to the valve core 130 by the first fastener 160, and the second cylindrical cup 149 is fixed to the valve core 130 by the second fastener 162. However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that the first cylindrical cup 139 may additionally or alternatively be fixed to the valve core 130 by adhesive, and the second cylindrical cup 149 may additionally or alternatively be fixed to the valve core 130 by adhesive.

[0031] Valve body 156 defines a first port R1, a second port P, a third port R2, a fourth port C1, and a fifth port C2 for use with hydraulic fluid.

[0032] Reference Figure 2A In the first position, the first solenoid surface 116 is spaced apart from the first magnetic surface 138, defining a fluid gap between the first solenoid surface 116 and the first magnetic surface 138, and the second solenoid surface 126 contacts the second magnetic surface 148. The inner surface of the valve core 130 abuts the valve body 156, causing the flow of hydraulic fluid through the first port R1 to stop, and when the valve core 130 is in the first position, the valve core 130 provides a first fluid flow path G1 between the second port P and the fourth port C1 and a third fluid flow path G3 between the third port R2 and the fifth port C2. Therefore, by establishing the first fluid flow path G1 and the second fluid flow path G2 through the valve core 130 and the valve body 156, hydraulic fluid can flow through the first fluid flow path G1 and the third fluid flow path G3 in the first position.

[0033] Reference Figure 2B In the second position, the second solenoid surface 126 is spaced apart from the second magnetic surface 148, defining a fluid gap between them, and the first solenoid surface 116 contacts the first magnetic surface 138. The inner surface of the valve core 130 abuts the valve body 156, causing the flow of hydraulic fluid through the third port R2 to stop, and when the valve core 130 is in the second position, it provides a second fluid flow path G2 between the first port R1 and the fourth port C1, and a fourth fluid flow path G4 between the second port P and the fifth port C2. Therefore, by establishing the second fluid flow path G2 and the fourth fluid flow path G4 through the valve core 130 and the valve body 156, hydraulic fluid can flow through the second fluid flow path G2 and the fourth fluid flow path G4 in the second position.

[0034] Hydraulic valve 110 is controlled by a controller and / or processor 140, which is operatively coupled to a first coil 118 and a second coil 128 to control the operation of a first solenoid 112 and a second solenoid 122, thereby moving valve core 130 between a first position and a second position. To position valve core 130 in the first position, processor 140 energizes the second coil 128 to generate a second magnetic flux, thereby attracting a second magnetic surface 148 to the second solenoid surface 126. Processor 140 also causes the first coil 118 to generate a first magnetic flux with a polarity opposite to the second magnetic flux, causing the first magnetic surface 138 to repel from the first solenoid surface 116. Once valve core 130 is positioned in the first position, both the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 are de-energized, and valve core 130 is maintained in the first position by a first magnetic force generated between the second core 124 and the second permanent magnet 146. To position the valve core 130 in the second position, the processor 140 energizes the second coil 128 to generate a second magnetic flux, repelling the second magnetic surface 148 from the second solenoid surface 126. The processor 140 also energizes the first coil 118 to generate a first magnetic flux with the opposite polarity to the second magnetic flux, attracting the first magnetic surface 138 to the first solenoid surface 116. Once the valve core 130 is positioned in the second position, both the first solenoid 112 and the second solenoid 122 are de-energized, and the valve core 130 is maintained in the second position by the second magnetic force generated between the first core 114 and the first permanent magnet 136. Therefore, the valve core 130 is pushed and pulled back and forth between the first and second positions.

[0035] The processor 140 causes the first coil 118 to generate a first magnetic flux by supplying power to the first coil 118, and the processor 140 also causes the second coil 128 to generate a second magnetic flux by supplying power to the second coil 128. This power can be, for example, 28 volts of direct current (DC) power. As in the first embodiment, it should be appreciated that, in operation, the polarity of the magnetic flux generated by the first coil 118 is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic flux generated by the second coil 128. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the polarities of the first coil 118 and the second coil 128 can be reversed so that the valve core 130 can switch between a first position and a second position.

[0036] Reference Figure 3A hydraulic valve 210 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, comprising a valve core 230, a first solenoid 212, a second solenoid 222, and a valve body 256. The valve core 230 includes: a core 231 formed along a longitudinal axis; a first permanent magnet 236 attached to a first valve core end 232 of the core 231 and including a first magnetic surface 238; and a second permanent magnet 246 attached to a second valve core end 234 of the core 231 and including a second magnetic surface 248. The first valve core end 232 and the second valve core end 234 are disposed at opposite ends of the core 231. The first solenoid 212 is positioned adjacent to the first valve core end 232 of the valve core 230, and the second solenoid 222 is positioned adjacent to the second valve core end 234 of the valve core 230.

[0037] The first solenoid 212 includes a first core 214 and a first coil 218. The first core 214 includes a first solenoid surface 216 facing a first magnetic surface 238 of a first permanent magnet 236. The first coil 218 is wound around the first core 214 and configured to generate a first magnetic flux when energized. The first coil 218 is covered by a first coil cover 213. The first coil cover 213 can cover the entire cylindrical side surface of the first coil 218. The end of the first coil 218 is covered by a first coil plate 215. A first non-magnetic support 272 is attached to the valve body 256 and covers the first valve core end 232, the first cylindrical cup 239, the first permanent magnet 236, and the first solenoid surface 216 of the first solenoid 212.

[0038] The second solenoid 222 includes a second core 224 and a second coil 228. The second core 224 includes a second solenoid surface 226 facing a second magnetic surface 248 of the second permanent magnet 246. The second coil 228 is wound around the second core 224 and configured to generate a second magnetic flux when energized. The second coil 228 is covered by a second coil cover 223. The second coil cover 223 can cover the entire cylindrical side surface of the second coil 228. The ends of the second coil 228 are covered by a second coil plate 225. A second non-magnetic support 274 is attached to the valve body 256 and covers the second valve core end 234, the second cylindrical cup 249, the second permanent magnet 246, and the second solenoid surface 226 of the second solenoid 222.

[0039] Each corresponding core 214, 224 of the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 may include steel in at least a portion thereof. The steel may be a low-carbon steel with a high manganese content, such as 1018 cold-rolled steel. The first coil 218 and the second coil 228 may include magnetic conductors.

[0040] The valve core 230 is disposed in the valve body 256 between the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222. The valve core 230 can be positioned along the longitudinal axis in a first position (not shown) and a second position (not shown).Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) In other words, in the first operating mode, the first solenoid 212 is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the first permanent magnet 236, and the second solenoid 222 is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the second permanent magnet 246, so that the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 can simultaneously push and pull the valve core 230 within the valve body 256 between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 can be cooperatively driven to move the valve core 230 between the first position and the second position. In the second operating mode, the second solenoid 222 is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the second permanent magnet 246, and the first solenoid 212 is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the first permanent magnet 236, so that the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 can simultaneously pull and push the valve core 230 between the second position and the first position. When the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 are energized, the first magnetic flux generated by the first solenoid 212 and the second magnetic flux generated by the second solenoid 222 have opposite polarities. This causes one end of the valve core 230 to be attracted to one solenoid while the other end of the valve core 230 is repelled from the other solenoid. The valve core 230 is bistable, so that it is maintained in a first position by the first magnetic force generated between the second core 224 and the second permanent magnet 246, or in a second position by the second magnetic force generated between the first core 214 and the first permanent magnet 236. When the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 are de-energized, the first permanent magnet 236 is operable to hold the valve core 230 in the second position, and the second permanent magnet 246 is operable to hold the valve core 230 in the first position.

[0041] The first permanent magnet 236 and the second permanent magnet 246 each comprise a rare-earth magnet, which may include neodymium. The first magnetic surface 238 and the second magnetic surface 248 may each have a diameter in the range of 0.25 inches to 1 inch. The thickness of the first permanent magnet 236 may be equal to the thickness of the second permanent magnet 246. The diameter of the first permanent magnet 236 may be equal to the diameter of the second permanent magnet 246. The thickness-to-diameter ratio of the first permanent magnet 236 and the second permanent magnet 246 may be between 1.5:1 and 3:1, respectively. The valve body 256 comprises steel. The steel may be hardened steel, such as 440C steel.

[0042] The first permanent magnet 236 and the second permanent magnet 246 are respectively fixed to the valve core 230 by the first cylindrical cup 239 and the second cylindrical cup 249, respectively. Specifically, the first permanent magnet 236 and the second permanent magnet 246 are respectively fixed to the first valve core end 232 and the second valve core end 234 of the core 231. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cylindrical cup 239 is fixed to the valve core 230 by the first fastener 260, and the second cylindrical cup 249 is fixed to the valve core 230 by the second fastener 262. However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that the first cylindrical cup 239 may additionally or alternatively be fixed to the valve core 230 by adhesive, and the second cylindrical cup 249 may additionally or alternatively be fixed to the valve core 230 by adhesive.

[0043] Valve body 256 defines a first port R1, a second port P, a third port R2, a fourth port C1, and a fifth port C2 for use with hydraulic fluid.

[0044] In the second position ( Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the second solenoid surface 226 is spaced apart from the second magnetic surface 248, defining a fluid gap between the two surfaces, and the first solenoid surface 216 contacts the first magnetic surface 238. The inner surface of the valve core 230 abuts the valve body 256, causing the flow of hydraulic fluid through the third port R2 to stop, and when the valve core 230 is in the second position, it provides a first flow path H1 between the fourth port C1 and the first port R1, and a second flow path H2 between the fifth port C2 and the second port P. Therefore, by establishing the first flow path H1 and the second flow path H2 through the valve core 230 and the valve body 256, hydraulic fluid can flow through the first flow path H1 and the second flow path H2 in the second position.

[0045] In the first position (not shown), the first solenoid surface 216 is spaced apart from the first magnetic surface 238, defining a fluid gap between the first solenoid surface 216 and the first magnetic surface 238, and the second solenoid surface 226 contacts the second magnetic surface 248. The inner surface of the valve core 230 abuts the valve body 256, causing the flow of hydraulic fluid through the first port R1 to stop, and when the valve core 230 is in the first position, the valve core 230 provides a third flow path between the fourth port C1 and the second port P and a fourth flow path between the fifth port C2 and the third port R2. Therefore, by establishing the third and fourth flow paths through the valve core 230 and the valve body 256, hydraulic fluid can flow through the third and fourth flow paths in the first position.

[0046] The hydraulic valve 210 also includes a first plunger 242 and a first sensor 244 disposed near the first solenoid 212, and a second plunger 252 and a second sensor 254 disposed near the second solenoid 222. The first sensor 244 includes a first sensor plate 244a and a first limit switch 244b, and the second sensor 254 includes a second sensor plate 254a and a second limit switch 254b.

[0047] In the first position (not shown), the second magnetic surface 248 pushes the second plunger 252 at the second solenoid surface 226, causing the second sensor 254 to detect the first position of the valve core 230. The second sensor 254 presses the second sensor plate 254a through the second plunger 252 to press the second limit switch 254b into the body of the second sensor 254 to detect the first position.

[0048] In the second position ( Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the first magnetic surface 238 pushes the first plunger 242 at the first solenoid surface 216, so that the first sensor 244 detects the second position of the valve core 230. The first sensor 244 presses the first sensor plate 244a through the first plunger 242 to press the first limit switch 244b into the body of the first sensor 244 to detect the second position.

[0049] The first limit switch 244b can be elastically biased to push the first plunger 242 inward toward the center of the valve core 230, and the second limit switch 254b can also be elastically biased to push the second plunger 252 inward toward the center of the valve core 230. The first plunger 242 and the second plunger 252 can be non-magnetic.

[0050] Hydraulic valve 210 is controlled by a controller and / or processor 240, which is operatively coupled to a first coil 218 and a second coil 228 to control the operation of both a first solenoid 212 and a second solenoid 222, thereby moving valve core 230 between a first position and a second position. To position valve core 230 in the first position, processor 240 energizes the second coil 228 to generate a second magnetic flux, thereby attracting the second magnetic surface 248 to the second solenoid surface 226. Processor 240 causes the first coil 218 to generate a first magnetic flux having a polarity opposite to the second magnetic flux, causing the first magnetic surface 238 to repel from the first solenoid surface 216. Once valve core 230 is in the first position, both the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 are de-energized, and valve core 230 is held in the first position by a first magnetic force generated between the second core 224 and the second permanent magnet 246. To position the valve core 230 in the second position, the processor 240 energizes the second coil 228 to generate a second magnetic flux, repelling the second magnetic surface 248 from the second solenoid surface 226. The processor 240 also causes the first coil 218 to generate a first magnetic flux with the opposite polarity to the second magnetic flux, attracting the first magnetic surface 238 to the first solenoid surface 216. Once the valve core 230 is positioned in the second position, both the first solenoid 212 and the second solenoid 222 are de-energized, and the valve core 230 is maintained in the second position by a second magnetic force generated between the first core 214 and the first permanent magnet 236. Therefore, the valve core 230 is pushed back and forth between the first and second positions.

[0051] Processor 240 is operatively coupled to a first sensor 244 to receive a detection signal from the first sensor 244 when the first sensor 244 detects a second position by pressing a first sensor plate 244a through a first plunger 242 to press a first limit switch 244b into the body of the first sensor 244. Processor 240 is also operatively coupled to a second sensor 254 to receive a detection signal from the second sensor 254 when the second sensor 254 detects a first position by pressing a second sensor plate 254a through a second plunger 252 to press a second limit switch 254b into the body of the second sensor 254. Therefore, processor 240 identifies when hydraulic valve 210 is in either the first or second position.

[0052] The processor 240 causes the first coil 218 to generate a first magnetic flux by supplying power to the first coil 218, and the processor 240 causes the second coil 228 to generate a second magnetic flux by supplying power to the second coil 228. This power can be, for example, 28 volts of direct current (DC) power. As in the first and second embodiments, it should be appreciated that, in operation, the polarity of the magnetic flux generated by the first coil 218 is opposite to the polarity of the magnetic flux generated by the second coil 228. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the polarities of the first coil 218 and the second coil 228 can be reversed so that the valve core 230 can switch between a first position and a second position.

[0053] Other magnets can be positioned along the flow path within the valve body 256 to capture iron contaminants in the fluid flowing through the flow path. For example, a third magnet 264 can be positioned adjacent to the flow path connected to the second port P, a fourth magnet 266 can be positioned adjacent to the flow path connected to the fifth port C2, and a fifth magnet 268 can be positioned adjacent to the flow path connected to the fourth port C1. The third magnet 264, the fourth magnet 266, and the fifth magnet 268 are configured to magnetically attract iron particles in the hydraulic fluid. Therefore, iron contaminants can be prevented from clogging the ports of the valve core 230.

[0054] In this embodiment, hydraulic fluid flows freely between a first hydraulic chamber 276 and a second hydraulic chamber 278. The first hydraulic chamber 276 is formed by covering the valve body 256 with a first non-magnetic support 272 to create a sealed space for the hydraulic fluid. The first non-magnetic support 272 has an aperture in which a first core 214 is received. A first seal 270a and a second seal 270b disposed at the first non-magnetic support 272 ensure that hydraulic fluid does not leak out of the first hydraulic chamber 276 and contaminate the first coil 218. A third seal 270c disposed between the first non-magnetic support 272 and the valve body 256 ensures that hydraulic fluid does not leak from the first hydraulic chamber 276 into the space between the first non-magnetic support 272 and the valve body 256. The first seal 270a, the second seal 270b, and the third seal 270c are configured to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid under high backflow pressures, which can be up to 600 psi.

[0055] Similarly, the second hydraulic chamber 278 is covered by the valve body 256 by the second non-magnetic support 274 to create a sealed space for hydraulic fluid. The second non-magnetic support 274 has a hole for receiving the second core 224. A fifth seal 270e and a sixth seal 270f located at the second non-magnetic support 274 ensure that hydraulic fluid does not leak from the second hydraulic chamber 278 and contaminate the second coil 228. A fourth seal 270d located between the second non-magnetic support 274 and the valve body 256 ensures that hydraulic fluid does not leak from the second hydraulic chamber 278 into the space between the second non-magnetic support 274 and the valve body 256. The fourth seal 270d, the fifth seal 270e, and the sixth seal 270f are configured to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage under high backflow pressures, which can be up to 600 psi.

[0056] Therefore, when the hydraulic valve 210 switches from the first position to the second position, and the second solenoid surface 226 is spaced apart from the second magnetic surface 248, defining a fluid gap between the second solenoid surface 226 and the second magnetic surface 248, hydraulic fluid flows from the first hydraulic chamber 276 to the second hydraulic chamber 278 through the first return path 280 and the second return path 282, causing the fluid volume in the second hydraulic chamber 278 to expand to accommodate the fluid gap. Similarly, when the hydraulic valve 210 switches from the second position to the first position, and the first solenoid surface 216 is spaced apart from the first magnetic surface 238, defining a fluid gap between the first solenoid surface 216 and the first magnetic surface 238, hydraulic fluid flows from the second hydraulic chamber 278 to the first hydraulic chamber 276 through the second return path 282 and the first return path 280, causing the fluid volume in the first hydraulic chamber 276 to expand to accommodate the fluid gap. Accordingly, the first return path 280 and the second return path 282 prevent the release of fluid pressure spikes in the first hydraulic chamber 276 and the second hydraulic chamber 278, thereby keeping the end of the valve core 230 wet and the return pressure relatively low.

[0057] Reference Figure 4A An exemplary axial view of the first solenoid surface 16 and the second solenoid surface 26 of the first embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Although not shown, it should be understood that the exemplary axial views of the first solenoid surface 116 and the second solenoid surface 126 of the second embodiment will be similar. Figure 4A As shown. The first solenoid surface 16 comprises a non-magnetic material along the circumference 16a of the first solenoid surface 16 and steel at the central portion 16b of the first solenoid surface 16. The area of ​​the central portion 16b may be equal to or less than the area of ​​the first magnetic surface 38. Similarly, the second solenoid surface 26 comprises a non-magnetic material along the circumference 26a of the second solenoid surface 26 and steel at the central portion 26b of the second solenoid surface 26. The area of ​​the central portion 26b may be equal to or less than the area of ​​the second magnetic surface 48.

[0058] Reference Figure 4B This image depicts an exemplary axial view of a first solenoid surface 216 and a second solenoid surface 226 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the first solenoid surface 216 comprises a non-magnetic material along its circumference 216a and steel at a central portion 216b. The area of ​​the central portion 216b may be equal to or less than the area of ​​the first magnetic surface 238. Similarly, the second solenoid surface 226 comprises a non-magnetic material along its circumference 226a and steel at a central portion 226b. The area of ​​the central portion 26b may be equal to or less than the area of ​​the second magnetic surface 248. A first plunger 242 is disposed at the center of the central portion 216b of the first solenoid surface 216 such that when not pressed down by the first magnetic surface 238, the first plunger 242 protrudes outward from the first solenoid surface 216. Similarly, the second plunger 252 is located at the center of the central portion 226b of the second solenoid surface 226, such that when not pressed by the second magnetic surface 248, the second plunger 252 protrudes outward from the second solenoid surface 226.

[0059] Figure 5 An exemplary system 300 including a hydraulic valve according to a first, second, or third embodiment of the invention is shown. System 300 includes a pump 320, a hydraulic fluid reservoir 330 containing hydraulic fluid, an actuator 350 configured to control a controlled component 360, and a hydraulic valve 310 fluidly coupled to the pump 320, the hydraulic fluid reservoir 330, and the actuator 350. The hydraulic valve 310 may be selected from the group consisting of pilot valves, shutdown valves, cutoff valves, and control valves. It should be understood that these valve types refer to the application scenario of the valve, not the structure of the valve itself. The controlled component 360 mechanically coupled to the hydraulic actuator 350 may be selected from the group consisting of air brakes, landing gear, flaps, and ailerons. A controller 340 including a processor 342, a non-volatile memory 344, and a volatile memory 346 is operatively coupled to the hydraulic valve 310 and configured to control the hydraulic valve 310 to switch between a first position and a second position. Processor 342 executes instructions stored in non-volatile memory 344 to control hydraulic valve 310, for example, according to Figure 7The method described herein transitions between a first position and a second position. When hydraulic valve 310 is in the first position, a first hydraulic fluid path is established to cause hydraulic actuator 350 to operate controlled component 360 to transition to the first state, and when hydraulic valve 310 is in the second position, a second hydraulic fluid path is established to cause hydraulic actuator 350 to operate controlled component 360 to transition to the second state, for example. Although the hydraulic valve 310 of system 300 is depicted as a four-way hydraulic valve with five ports and four possible fluid flow paths, it should be understood that system 300 is not specifically limited to this port and fluid flow path configuration, and system 300 may alternatively include a hydraulic valve with three ports and two possible fluid flow paths, as described in the first embodiment.

[0060] Processor 342 includes one or more physical devices configured to execute instructions. For example, processor 342 may be configured to execute instructions that are part of one or more applications, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs. Such instructions may be implemented to perform tasks, implement data types, change the state of one or more components, achieve technical effects, or otherwise achieve desired results.

[0061] Processor 342 may include one or more physical processors (hardware) configured to execute software instructions. Alternatively, processor 342 may include one or more hardware logic circuits or firmware means configured to execute hardware-implemented logic or firmware instructions. Processor 342 may include multiple processors, which may be single-core or multi-core, and the instructions executing thereon may be configured for sequential, parallel, and / or distributed processing. The various components of the processor may optionally be distributed across two or more separate devices, which may be located remotely and / or configured for collaborative processing. Aspects of the processor may be virtualized and executed by remotely accessible networked computing devices configured for cloud computing. In such a case, these virtualized aspects run on different physical logic processors on various different machines.

[0062] The non-volatile memory 344 includes one or more physical devices configured to hold instructions executable by a logic processor to implement the methods and processes described herein. When such methods and processes are implemented, the state of the non-volatile memory 344 can be changed—for example, to retain different data.

[0063] The non-volatile memory 344 may include removable and / or built-in physical devices. The non-volatile memory 344 may include optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), and / or magnetic memory (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, MRAM, etc.), or other high-capacity storage device technologies. The non-volatile memory 344 may include non-volatile, dynamic, static, read / write, read-only, sequential access, location-addressable, file-addressable, and / or content-addressable devices. It will be understood that the non-volatile memory 344 is configured to retain instructions even when power to the non-volatile memory 344 is cut off.

[0064] The processor 342, non-volatile memory 344, and volatile memory 346 can be integrated together into one or more hardware logic components. Such hardware logic components may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable and application-specific integrated circuits (PASICs / ASICs), programmable and application-specific standard products (PSSPs / ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0065] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary aircraft 400 according to a first, second, or third embodiment of this disclosure. It should be understood that the hydraulic valves of the first, second, or third embodiment can be as described with reference to... Figure 5 As described, it is incorporated into the exemplary system 300 of the exemplary aircraft 400.

[0066] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example configuration of method 500 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Referring to the above description and in Figure 1A , 1B The following description of method 500 is provided by the software and hardware components shown in 2A, 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, and 5. It will be understood that method 500 may also be performed using other suitable hardware and software components in other contexts. Method 500 is a valve spool for operating a hydraulic valve, the valve spool being disposed within a valve body and including a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve spool end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve spool end. A first solenoid is positioned adjacent to the first valve spool end, and a second solenoid is positioned adjacent to the second valve spool end. The first and second solenoids are cooperatively actuated to move the valve spool within the valve body between a first position and a second position. According to this disclosure, when the first and second solenoids are de-energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve spool in the second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve spool in the first position.

[0067] In step 502, method 500 begins. In step 504, the controller receives a first instruction. In step 508, in response to receiving the first instruction to move the valve spool from the second position to the first position, the controller can determine whether the valve spool is in the first position. This determination can be performed by the controller by receiving a detection signal from a first sensor that detects contact between the first solenoid face and the first magnetic surface and / or by receiving a detection signal from a second sensor that detects contact between the second solenoid face and the second magnetic surface. However, it will be understood that this determination step 508 can be omitted in alternative embodiments. When it is determined that the valve spool is not in the first position, in step 512, the controller energizes the first and second solenoids to move the valve spool to the first position by establishing a first flow path in the valve body and valve spool to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the first flow path. The first flow path can be established by energizing the second coil to generate a second magnetic flux to attract the second magnetic surface to the second solenoid face and energizing the first coil to generate a first magnetic flux to repel the first magnetic surface from the first solenoid face. When the valve core is determined to be in the first position, in step 514, the controller holds the valve core in the first position by using a first magnetic force.

[0068] In step 506, the controller receives a second command. In step 510, in response to receiving a second command to move the valve spool from the first position to the second position, the controller can determine whether the valve spool is in the second position. This determination can be performed by the controller receiving a detection signal from a first sensor detecting contact between the first solenoid face and the first magnetic surface and / or from a second sensor detecting contact between the second solenoid face and the second magnetic surface. However, it will be understood that this determination step 510 can be omitted in alternative embodiments. When it is determined that the valve spool is not in the second position, in step 518, the controller energizes the first solenoid and the second solenoid to move the valve spool to the second position, thereby establishing a second flow path through the valve body and the valve spool so that hydraulic fluid can flow through the second flow path. The second flow path can be established by supplying power to the second coil to generate a second magnetic flux to repel the second magnetic surface from the second solenoid face and supplying power to the first coil to generate a first magnetic flux to attract the first magnetic surface to the first solenoid face. When it is determined that the valve core is in the second position, in step 516, the controller holds the valve core in the second position via a second magnetic force. In step 520, method 500 returns to the first step 502.

[0069] The systems and methods described herein offer potential benefits such as increased reliability, reduced weight, reduced energy consumption, and lower material and manufacturing costs. Intermittent electrical current biases a magnet in a desired magnetic orientation to maintain the valve spool in a desired position. Because the hydraulic solenoid of this disclosure is bistable, energy consumption is significantly reduced compared to hydraulic valves that require constant electrical current to hold the valve in one position. Furthermore, the mechanical configuration of this hydraulic valve is simplified compared to motor-operated hydraulic valves, resulting in savings in material and manufacturing costs, increased reliability, and reduced weight.

[0070] Furthermore, this disclosure includes configurations based on the following examples.

[0071] Example 1. A hydraulic valve, comprising: a valve body; a bistable valve core disposed within the valve body and including a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve core end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve core end; a first solenoid positioned adjacent to the first valve core end; and a second solenoid positioned adjacent to the second valve core end, wherein, in a first operating mode, the first solenoid is energized to have a first polarity attracting the first permanent magnet, and the second solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity, the opposite polarity repelling the second permanent magnet, such that the first solenoid and the second solenoid can simultaneously push and pull the valve core between a first position and a second position.

[0072] Example 2. The hydraulic valve as described in Example 1, wherein, in a second operating mode, the second solenoid is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the second permanent magnet, and the first solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the first permanent magnet, so that the first solenoid and the second solenoid can simultaneously pull and push the valve core between the second position and the first position.

[0073] Example 3. The hydraulic valve as described in any one of Examples 1 or 2, wherein when the first solenoid and the second solenoid are de-energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in a second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in a first position.

[0074] Example 4. A hydraulic valve according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first solenoid includes a first core facing a first permanent magnet; the second solenoid includes a second core facing a second permanent magnet; in a first position, the first solenoid is spaced apart from the first permanent magnet and the second solenoid is in contact with the second permanent magnet; and in a second position, the second solenoid is spaced apart from the second permanent magnet and the first solenoid is in contact with the first permanent magnet.

[0075] Example 5. The hydraulic valve according to any one of Examples 1 to 4 further includes: a first plunger and a first sensor disposed in a first solenoid; and a second plunger and a second sensor disposed in a second solenoid, wherein, in a first position, a second magnetic surface of a second permanent magnet pushes the second plunger at the second solenoid surface of the second solenoid to cause the second sensor to detect a first position of the valve core; and in a second position, a first magnetic surface of the first permanent magnet pushes the first plunger at the first solenoid surface of the first solenoid to cause the first sensor to detect a second position of the valve core.

[0076] Example 6. A hydraulic valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the valve body defines a first port, a second port, and a third port; in a first position, the valve core provides a first flow path between the second port and the third port; and in a second position, the valve core provides a second flow path between the first port and the third port.

[0077] Example 7. A hydraulic valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein a third magnet is disposed adjacent to at least one flow path within the valve body and is configured to magnetically attract iron-containing particles in the hydraulic fluid within the flow path.

[0078] Example 8. A hydraulic valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the first magnetic surface of the first permanent magnet and the second magnetic surface of the second permanent magnet each have a diameter in the range of 0.25 inches to 1 inch.

[0079] Example 9. The hydraulic valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the thickness-to-diameter ratio of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet is between 1.5:1 and 3:1, respectively.

[0080] Example 10. A hydraulic valve according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein each corresponding core of the first solenoid and the second solenoid comprises steel in at least a portion thereof.

[0081] Example 11. A hydraulic valve according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the first solenoid face of the first solenoid and the second solenoid face of the second solenoid each comprise a nonmagnetic material along the circumference of their respective faces and steel at the central portion of their respective faces.

[0082] Example 12. A hydraulic valve according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the area of ​​the central portion is equal to or less than the area of ​​each of the first magnetic surface of the first permanent magnet and the second magnetic surface of the second permanent magnet.

[0083] Example 13. A hydraulic valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein a first permanent magnet is securely coupled to the end of a first valve core via a first non-magnetic cup, and a second permanent magnet is securely coupled to the end of a second valve core via a second non-magnetic cup.

[0084] Example 14. A method for operating a bistable valve core of a hydraulic valve, the valve core being disposed within a valve body and including a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve core end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve core end, a first solenoid positioned adjacent to the first valve core end, and a second solenoid positioned adjacent to the second valve core end, the first and second solenoids being cooperatively actuated to move the valve core between a first position and a second position, wherein when the first and second solenoids are de-energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in the second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in the first position, the method comprising: energizing the first and second solenoids in response to receiving a first command to move the valve core from the second position to the first position, thereby moving the valve core to the first position; and energizing the first and second solenoids in response to receiving a second command to move the valve core from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the valve core to the second position.

[0085] Example 15. The method as described in Example 14, wherein, in order to position the valve core in the first position, the second solenoid is energized to generate a second magnetic flux to attract the second permanent magnet to the second solenoid, and the first solenoid is energized to generate a first magnetic flux to repel the first permanent magnet from the first solenoid, and the valve core is maintained in the first position by a first magnetic force generated between the second solenoid and the second permanent magnet; and in order to position the valve core in the second position, the second solenoid is energized to generate a second magnetic flux to repel the second permanent magnet from the second solenoid, and the first solenoid is energized to generate a first magnetic flux to attract the first permanent magnet to the first solenoid, and the valve core is maintained in the second position by a second magnetic force generated between the first solenoid and the first permanent magnet.

[0086] Example 16. The method as described in any one of Examples 14 or 15, wherein, in a first position, the flow of hydraulic fluid through a first port of the valve body is stopped by a valve core, and the valve core is capable of realizing a first flow path between a second port and a third port of the valve body; and in a second position, the flow of hydraulic fluid through a second port of the valve body is stopped by a valve core, and the valve core is capable of realizing a second flow path between the first port and the third port of the valve body.

[0087] Example 17. The method as described in any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein, in the first position, the flow of hydraulic fluid through the first port of the valve body is stopped, and the valve core is capable of realizing a first flow path between the second and fourth ports of the valve body and a third flow path between the third and fifth ports of the valve body; and in the second position, the flow of hydraulic fluid through the third port is stopped, and the valve core is capable of realizing a second flow path between the first and fourth ports and a fourth flow path between the second and fifth ports.

[0088] Example 18. An aircraft system comprising: a pump; a hydraulic fluid reservoir; an actuator configured to control a controlled component; and a hydraulic valve fluidly coupled to the pump, the hydraulic fluid reservoir, and the actuator, the hydraulic valve comprising: a valve body; a bistable valve core disposed within the valve body and including a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve core end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve core end; a first solenoid positioned adjacent to the first valve core end of the valve; and a second solenoid positioned adjacent to the second valve core end of the valve, wherein the first and second solenoids are cooperatively actuated to move the valve core between a first position and a second position; and when the first and second solenoids are de-energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in the second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in the first position.

[0089] Example 19. The aircraft system according to Example 18, wherein the hydraulic valve is selected from the group consisting of a pilot valve, a shut-off valve, a shut-off valve and a control valve.

[0090] Example 20. An aircraft system according to any one of Examples 18 or 19, wherein the controlled component is selected from the group consisting of brakes, landing gear, flaps and ailerons.

[0091] This invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various features and techniques disclosed herein. The various features and techniques disclosed herein are not necessarily necessary for all instances of this invention. Furthermore, the various features and techniques disclosed herein may define patentable subject matter beyond the disclosed examples and may find utility in other implementations not expressly disclosed herein.

[0092] It will be recognized that, as used herein, “and / or” refers to a logical disjunction operation, and therefore A and / or B have the following truth table.

[0093] A B A and / or B T T T T F T F T T F F F

[0094] With regard to the use of the terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” and their variations, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as an open transition word, without excluding any additional or other elements.

Claims

1. A hydraulic valve, comprising: Valve body; A bistable valve core is disposed within the valve body and includes a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve core end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve core end; The first solenoid is positioned near the end of the first valve core; as well as The second solenoid is positioned near the end of the second valve core, wherein In the first operating mode, the first solenoid is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the first permanent magnet, and the second solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the second permanent magnet, so that the first and second solenoids can simultaneously push and pull the valve core between a first position and a second position. The hydraulic valve further includes: A first plunger and a first sensor are disposed in the first solenoid; and The second plunger and the second sensor are disposed in the second solenoid, wherein In the first position, the second magnetic surface of the second permanent magnet pushes the second plunger at the second solenoid surface of the second solenoid, so that the second sensor detects the first position of the valve core; and In the second position, the first magnetic surface of the first permanent magnet pushes the first plunger at the first solenoid surface of the first solenoid, so that the first sensor detects the second position of the valve core.

2. The hydraulic valve according to claim 1, wherein, In the second operating mode, the second solenoid is energized to have a first polarity that attracts the second permanent magnet, and the first solenoid is energized to have an opposite polarity that repels the first permanent magnet, so that the first solenoid and the second solenoid can simultaneously pull and push the valve core between the second position and the first position.

3. The hydraulic valve according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, When the first solenoid and the second solenoid are de-energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to maintain the valve core in the second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to maintain the valve core in the first position.

4. The hydraulic valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first solenoid includes a first core facing the first permanent magnet; The second solenoid includes a second core facing the second permanent magnet; In the first position, the first solenoid is spaced apart from the first permanent magnet and the second solenoid is in contact with the second permanent magnet; and In this second position, the second solenoid is spaced apart from the second permanent magnet and the first solenoid is in contact with the first permanent magnet.

5. The hydraulic valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body defines a first port, a second port, and a third port; In the first position, the valve core provides a first flow path between the second port and the third port; and In the second position, the valve core provides a second flow path between the first port and the third port.

6. The hydraulic valve according to claim 1, wherein, A third magnet is disposed adjacent to at least one flow path within the valve body and is configured to magnetically attract iron-containing particles in the hydraulic fluid within the flow path.

7. A method for operating a bistable valve core of a hydraulic valve, the valve core being disposed within a valve body and including a first permanent magnet attached to a first valve core end and a second permanent magnet attached to a second valve core end, a first solenoid positioned adjacent to the first valve core end of the valve core, a second solenoid positioned adjacent to the second valve core end of the valve core, the first solenoid and the second solenoid being cooperatively actuated to move the valve core to switch between a first position and a second position, wherein when the first solenoid and the second solenoid are de-energized, the first permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in the second position, and the second permanent magnet is operable to hold the valve core in the first position, a first plunger and a first sensor are disposed in the first solenoid, and a second plunger and a second sensor are disposed in the second solenoid, the method comprising: In response to receiving a first command to move the valve core from the second position to the first position, energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid to move the valve core to the first position; and In response to receiving a second command to move the valve core from the first position to the second position, energize the first solenoid and the second solenoid to move the valve core to the second position. In the first position, the second magnetic surface of the second permanent magnet pushes the second plunger at the second solenoid surface of the second solenoid, so that the second sensor detects the first position of the valve core; and In the second position, the first magnetic surface of the first permanent magnet pushes the first plunger at the first solenoid surface of the first solenoid, so that the first sensor detects the second position of the valve core.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, In order to position the valve core in the first position, the second solenoid is energized to generate a second magnetic flux to attract the second permanent magnet to the second solenoid, and the first solenoid is energized to generate a first magnetic flux to repel the first permanent magnet from the first solenoid, and the valve core is maintained in the first position by the first magnetic force generated between the second solenoid and the second permanent magnet; and In order to position the valve core in the second position, the second solenoid is energized to generate the second magnetic flux to repel the second permanent magnet from the second solenoid, and the first solenoid is energized to generate the first magnetic flux to attract the first permanent magnet to the first solenoid, and the valve core is maintained in the second position by the second magnetic force generated between the first solenoid and the first permanent magnet.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, In this first position, the flow of hydraulic fluid through the first port of the valve body is stopped by the valve core, and the valve core is able to realize a first flow path between the second port and the third port of the valve body; and In this second position, the flow of hydraulic fluid through the second port of the valve body is stopped by the valve core, and the valve core is able to realize a second flow path between the first port and the third port of the valve body.

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