VALVE SYSTEM

Abstract

Valve (100; 200), comprising: a base plate (102; 202) defining an inlet passage (136; 236) and an outlet passage (116; 216), wherein the inlet passage (136; 236) is contained in an intake section (130; 230) of the valve (100; 200) and the outlet passage (116; 216) is contained in a pressure section (110; 210) of the valve (100; 200); a cover plate (104; 204) arranged on the base plate (102; 202), wherein the cover plate (104; 204) provides a first channel (122; 222) in the pressure section (110; 210) and a second channel (137; 237) in the intake section (130; 230) defined; a pressure plate (112; 212) arranged on the base plate (102; 202) in the pressure section (110; 210), wherein the pressure plate (112; 212) includes a first anchoring section (113; 213), a first sealing section (114; 214) and a first prestressing section (115; 215) comprising the first anchoring section (113; 213) and the first sealing section (114;214); an intake plate (132; 232) arranged on the base plate (102; 202) in the intake section (130; 230), the intake plate (132; 232) comprising a second anchoring section (133; 233), a second sealing section (134; 234) and a second preloading section (135; 235) connecting the second anchoring section (133; 233) to the second sealing section (134; 234); a first sealing element (120) positioned proximal to an outlet of the first channel (122; 222); and a second sealing element (140) arranged at an inlet of the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein the valve (100; 200) is movable between: a first configuration in which the first sealing section (114; 214) of the pressure plate (112; 212) is located distal to the first channel (122; 222) and the second sealing section (134; 234) of the suction plate (132; 232) is located proximal to the inlet passage (136;236), and a second configuration in which the first sealing section (114; 214) of the pressure plate (112; 212) is located proximal to the first channel (122; 222) and the second sealing section (134; 234) of the intake plate (132; 232) is located distal to the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein the first sealing element (120) is configured to form a first fluid-tight seal with the first sealing section (114; 214) in the second configuration, and wherein the second sealing element (140) is configured to form a second fluid-tight seal with the second sealing section (134; 234) in the first configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to valves and pumps for pumping fluid.BACKGROUNDExhaust aftertreatment systems are used to receive and treat exhaust gas generated in internal combustion engines. Conventional exhaust aftertreatment systems include any of several different components to reduce the levels of harmful exhaust emissions present in exhaust gas. For example, certain exhaust aftertreatment systems for diesel engines include a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst to convert NOx (NO and NO2in some proportion) to harmless nitrogen gas (N2) and water vapor (H2O) in the presence of ammonia (NH3).U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,222 A discloses an intravenous liquid pump system having a control unit and a pump controlled by the control unit. The controller has a sealed chamber, a portion of which is covered with a flexible diaphragm. The chamber contains an incompressible liquid. A piston member is movable within the chamber and causes the diaphragm to expand and contract as the piston is retracted and extended relative to the chamber. A motor is provided for reciprocating the piston. The pump includes a pump body having a pump chamber therein, an inlet adapter connected to the fluid source, and an outlet adapter connected to the patient. Inlet and outlet valves are provided in the pump body whereby when the controller is operated to flex the diaphragm of the sealed chamber of the controller, the diaphragm of the pump is operated to cause movement of the valve members to cause liquid to flow from the source through the pump and to the patient under control of the pump.The ammonia used by the SCR system to reduce an exhaust gas is generally provided in the form of a liquid exhaust reductant. The liquid exhaust-gas reducing agent is stored in an exhaust-gas reducing agent tank and fed from the tank via a pump to the SCR system. Pumps used in the post-treatment should preferably have a small form factor, be robust and be able to resist corrosion by the exhaust reducing agent.SUMMARYIn various embodiments, a valve includes a base plate defining an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The inlet passage is included in an intake portion of the valve, and the outlet passage is included in a pressure portion of the valve. A cover plate is disposed on the base plate. The cover plate defines a first channel in the pressure portion and a second channel in the suction portion. A pressure plate is disposed on the base plate in the pressure portion. The pressure plate includes a first anchoring portion, a first sealing portion, and a first biasing portion connecting the first anchoring portion and the first sealing portion. Further, a suction plate is disposed on the base plate in the suction portion. The suction plate includes a second anchoring portion, a second sealing portion, and a second biasing portion connecting the second anchoring portion to the second sealing portion. The valve includes a first sealing element positioned proximal to an outlet of the first passage; and a second sealing element disposed at an inlet of the inlet passage.The valve is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first sealing portion of the pressure plate is distal to the first channel and the second sealing portion of the suction plate is proximal to the inlet passage. In the second configuration, the first sealing portion of the pressure plate is proximal to the first channel and the second sealing portion of the suction plate is distal to the inlet passage. The first sealing element is configured to form a first fluid-tight seal with the first sealing portion in the second configuration, and the second sealing element is configured to form a second fluid-tight seal with the second sealing portion in the first configuration. In certain embodiments, movement of the first seal portion and the second seal portion between the first configuration and the second configuration results in bending of the first biasing portion about the first anchoring portion and bending of the second biasing portion about the second anchoring portion.In other embodiments, a pump includes a valve. The valve includes a base plate defining an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The inlet passage is included in an intake portion of the valve, and the outlet passage is included in a pressure portion of the valve. A cover plate is disposed over the base plate. The cover plate defines a first channel in the pressure portion and a second channel in the suction portion. A pressure plate is disposed on the base plate in the pressure portion. The pressure plate includes a first anchoring portion, a first sealing portion, and a first biasing portion connecting the first anchoring portion and the first sealing portion. A suction plate is disposed on the base plate in the suction portion. The suction plate includes a second anchoring portion, a second sealing portion, and a second biasing portion connecting the second anchoring portion and the second sealing portion. A membrane is disposed on the cover plate such that the membrane and the cover plate define a chamber therebetween. The pressure portion and the suction portion are in fluid communication with each other through the first passage and the second passage via the chamber.The pump is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the membrane is proximal to the cover plate. The first sealing portion of the pressure plate is distal to the first channel such that fluid is expelled from the chamber through the first channel into the outlet passage. Moreover, the second sealing portion of the suction plate is proximal to the inlet passage and fluidly seals the inlet passage. In the second configuration, the membrane is distal from the cover plate. The first sealing portion is proximal to the first channel and fluidly seals the first channel. The second sealing portion is distal to the inlet passage such that the fluid is drawn from the inlet passage into the chamber via the second channel.In still other embodiments, an aftertreatment system includes a selective catalytic reduction system configured to receive exhaust gas from an engine. The selective catalytic reduction system includes at least one catalyst designed to reduce the exhaust gas. A reservoir is configured to store an exhaust reductant for provision to the selective catalytic reduction system. A pump is in fluid communication with the storage tank and the selective catalytic reduction system. The pump is configured to pump an exhaust reductant from the storage tank to the selective catalytic reduction system.The pump includes a valve including a base plate defining an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The inlet passage is included in an intake portion of the valve, and the outlet passage is included in a pressure portion of the valve. A cover plate is disposed over the base plate. The cover plate defines a first channel in the pressure portion and a second channel in the suction portion. A pressure plate is disposed on the base plate in the pressure portion. The pressure plate includes a first anchoring portion, a first sealing portion, and a first biasing portion connecting the first anchoring portion and the first sealing portion. A suction plate is disposed on the base plate in the suction portion. The suction plate includes a second anchoring portion, a second sealing portion, and a second biasing portion connecting the second anchoring portion and the second sealing portion. A membrane is disposed on the cover plate such that the membrane and the cover plate define a chamber therebetween. The pressure portion and the suction portion are in fluid communication with each other through the first passage and the second passage via the chamber.The pump is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the membrane is proximal to the cover plate. The first sealing portion of the pressure plate is distal to the first channel such that fluid is expelled from the chamber through the first channel into the outlet passage. The second sealing portion of the suction plate is proximal to the inlet passage and fluidly seals the inlet passage. In the second configuration, in which the membrane is distal from the cover plate, the first sealing portion is proximal to the first channel and fluidly seals the first channel. The second sealing portion is distal to the inlet passage such that the fluid is drawn from the inlet passage into the chamber via the second channel.It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and other concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided that these concepts are not mutually incompatible) are intended to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter listed at the end of this disclosure are intended to be part of the subject matter disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Provided that these drawings represent only several forms of realization in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof, the disclosure will be described in more detail and detail using the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve including a base plate, a cover plate, a pressure plate, and a suction plate according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of the pressure portion of the valve of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the suction portion of the valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1, showing the pressure plate and the suction plate in a first configuration and a second configuration. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve that includes a base plate, a cover plate, a pressure plate, and a suction plate. FIG. 5A is a lateral cross-section of the pressure portion of the valve of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a lateral cross-section of the suction portion of the valve of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aftertreatment system including a pump including the valve of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment. FIG. 7A is a bottom view of a cover plate, and FIG. 7B is a top view of a base plate of a valve. FIG. 8A is a plot of the pump profile of the valve of FIGS. 7A and 7B operating at a nominal system pressure, and FIG. 8B is a plot illustrating the suction generated in a pump including the valve and illustrating the self-priming capability achievable with the valve of FIGS. 7A and 7B.Throughout the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like symbols typically identify similar components unless the context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are intended to be non-limiting. Other implementations may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It should be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, which are generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, may be arranged in, replaced, combined, and executed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly considered to be suggested and form a part of this disclosureDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTSEmbodiments described herein generally relate to a valve that can be incorporated into a pump, and more particularly to a metal plate valve that includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate that can be moved relative to each other by suction and pressure in the same direction to pump a fluid.Various embodiments of the metal plate valve described herein may provide several advantages, such as (1) providing a small package that occupies a relatively small space when included in a system, such as an aftertreatment system; (2) providing compatibility with existing diaphragm pumps such that the valve may be incorporated into conventional pumps; and (3) reducing cost and extending valve life by using biased metal plates to pump and thereby minimize moving parts.FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a valve 100 that may be included in a pump, such as a pump configured to deliver an exhaust reductant to an SCR system. The valve 100 includes a base plate 102, a cover plate 104, a pressing portion 110 including a pressing plate 112, and a suction portion 130 including a suction plate 132. FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of the pressing portion 110, and FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the suction portion 130 of the valve 100.The base plate 102 defines an inlet passage 136 and an outlet passage 116 therethrough (FIGS. 2A and 2B ). The inlet passage 136 is defined in an intake portion 130, and the outlet passage 116 is defined in a pressure portion 110 of the valve 100. The inlet passage 136 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g., an exhaust reductant) from a fluid source (e.g., an exhaust reductant tank), and the outlet passage 116 is configured to expel the fluid from the valve 100 (e.g., to deliver an exhaust reductant to an SCR system).The base plate 102 may be a machined, molded, or cast part and may be formed from any suitable strong, rigid, and corrosion resistant material, such as metals (iron, aluminum, steel, alloys, etc.), polymers, plastics, or any other suitable material, or combinations thereof. The base plate 102 may have any suitable shape, for example round, square, rectangular, oval, etc. A first cavity 111 is also defined in the base plate 102 in the pressing portion. The first cavity 111 is configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure plate 112 as described herein and is in fluid communication with the outlet passage 116.The cover plate 104 is disposed on the base plate 102. The cover plate 104 may be detachably coupled to the base plate 102, for example, by fasteners such as bolts, nuts, bolts, a latch mechanism, any other suitable mechanism, or combinations thereof. The cover plate 104 may have a shape that may be substantially similar to the shape of the base plate 102 as described herein. The cover plate 104 may also be formed from a suitable strong, rigid, and corrosion resistant material, such as metals (iron, aluminum, steel, alloys, etc.), polymers, plastics, or any other suitable material, or combinations thereof.The cover plate 104 defines a first channel 122 in the pressure portion 110 and a second channel 137 in the suction portion 130. The second channel 137 is aligned with the inlet passage 136 when the cover plate 104 is coupled to the base plate 102. The second channel 137 is configured to allow the fluid provided to the base plate 102 via the inlet passage 136 to be drawn from the cover plate 104 into a chamber defined between a diaphragm 109 (FIGS. 2A-2B and 3 ), which may be housed in a pump (not shown), and an upper surface of the cover plate 104. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cover plate between the first channel 122 and the second channel 137 may define a recess 108. The cavity 108 may be shaped to cooperate with the diaphragm 109 disposed on the cover plate 104 to form the chamber between the top surface of the cover plate 104 and the diaphragm 109. The chamber is configured to allow fluid communication between the first channel 122 and the second channel 137. Thus, the chamber provides a fluid path for the fluid to flow from the suction portion 130 to the pressure portion 110.The first channel 122 is aligned with the outlet passage 116 and is configured to allow the fluid drawn into the chamber to be delivered back into the cover plate 104 and into the outlet passage 116. In this manner, the fluid may be pumped through the valve 100, as will be described in more detail herein.The cover plate 104 also defines a second cavity 131 in the suction portion 130. The second cavity 131 is configured to receive at least a portion of the suction plate 132 as described herein and is in fluid communication with the second channel 137.A seal 106 is disposed on the base plate 102 and is positioned between the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104. The seal 106 may be formed of a flexible and corrosion resistant material, such as rubbers, polymers, plastics, silicone, etc. The seal 106 includes an outer ring 106a and an inner separator 106b. The outer ring of the seal 106 is positioned around the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 131, while the separator 106 bis positioned between the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 131. When the base plate 102 is coupled to the cover plate 104, the seal 106 forms a fluid-tight seal between an upper surface of the base plate 102 and a lower surface of the cover plate 104, with the portions of the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104 in contact with the seal 106. In this way, the gasket 106 fluidically isolates the two spaces formed between the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104 and disposed between the outer ring 106 aand the partition member 106 bof the gasket 106, thereby dividing the valve 100 into the pressing portion 110 and the suction portion 130. Thus, fluid communication between the suction portion 130 and the pressure portion 110 via the first channel 122 and the second channel 137 may only exist by flowing through the chamber formed between the recess 108 of the cover plate 104 and the diaphragm 109 as described herein.A pressing plate 112 is disposed on the base plate 102 in the pressing portion 110. The pressure plate 112 includes a first anchoring portion 113, a first sealing portion 114, and a first biasing portion 115 connecting the first anchoring portion 113 and the first sealing portion 114. The pressure plate 112 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, alloys, etc.), and may be formed using any suitable method, such as etching, stamping, forging, etc.The first anchoring portion 113 is configured to anchor the pressure plate 112 to the base plate 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the first anchoring portion 113 may include a slot or other opening configured to engage a first anchor 118 (formed, for example, during manufacture of the base 102) disposed on the base 102 positioned in the pressing portion 110, such that the first anchoring portion 113 is immovably coupled to the first anchor 118. The cover plate 104 may include a mating cavity to receive at least a portion of the first anchor 118 such that the first anchor portion 113 is captured and thereby fixedly disposed between the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104. In other embodiments, the first anchor portion 113 may be fixedly coupled to the base plate 102 using adhesives, rivets, or may be removably coupled to the base plate 102 using bolts, nuts, bolts, or other suitable fasteners or coupling mechanisms.The pressing plate 112 may be formed with a large bias in the biasing portion 115. As shown in FIG. 1, the first biasing portion 115 includes a pair of beams extending from the first anchoring portion 113 to the first sealing portion 114. At least a portion of the first biasing portion 115 may be disposed within the first cavity 111. The first biasing portion 115 may be configured to flex or otherwise curve around the first anchoring portion 113 such that the first sealing portion 114 may move proximally or distally relative to the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104 within the first cavity 111. The bias in the first biasing portion 115 allows the first biasing portion 115 to act like a leaf spring and to flex or elastically curve around the first anchoring portion 113. This allows the first sealing member 114 to move between a first configuration and a second configuration as described herein. The first biasing portion 115 exerts a biasing force on the first sealing portion 114 in the first configuration and / or the second configuration to urge the first sealing portion 114 to move proximally and / or distally relative to the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104.In particular embodiments, the bias in the first biasing portion 115 is configured to urge the first sealing portion 114 toward the first channel 122. In other embodiments, a biasing member (not shown) may be coupled to the first biasing portion 115 or the first sealing portion 114 to bias the first sealing portion 114 toward the first channel 122 For example, any suitable biasing member (e.g., a spring, such as a coil spring, a disk spring, a leaf spring, etc.) may be disposed on the base plate 102 below the first biasing portion 115 or the first sealing portion 114 to bias the first sealing portion 114 toward the first channel 122.The first sealing portion 114 is disposed in the first cavity 111 and configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration within the first cavity 111. The first sealing portion 114 is substantially flat and configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the first channel 122. In some embodiments, a first sealing element 120 may be positioned proximal to an outlet of the first channel 122. The first sealing member 120 may include, for example, an O-ring. The first sealing member 120 is configured to form a first fluid tight seal with the first sealing portion 114 when the first sealing portion is in contact with the first sealing member 120 in the second configuration, as described herein.The suction plate 132 is disposed in the suction region 130. The suction plate 132 includes a second anchoring portion 133, a second sealing portion 134, and a second biasing portion 135 connecting the second anchoring portion 133 to the second sealing portion 134. The suction plate 132 may have a structure substantially similar to the pressure plate 112 and therefore will not be described in detail herein.As will be described with respect to the pressure plate 112, the second biasing portion 132 included in the suction plate 135 also has a bias. In particular embodiments, the bias in the second biasing portion 135 is configured to urge the second sealing portion 134 toward the inlet passage 136. In other embodiments, a biasing member (not shown) may be coupled to the second biasing portion 135 or the second sealing portion 134 to bias the second sealing portion 134 toward the inlet passage 136 For example, any suitable biasing member (e.g., a spring, such as a coil spring, a disk spring, a leaf spring, etc.) may be disposed between the bottom surface of the cover plate and the second biasing portion 135 or the second sealing portion 134 to bias the second sealing portion 134 toward the inlet passage 136.As shown in FIG. 1, the second anchor portion 133 may also include a slot or other opening configured to engage a second anchor 138 disposed on the base plate 102 in the suction portion 130 such that the second anchor portion 133 is immovably coupled to the first anchor 138. As described with respect to the pressure plate 112, the cover plate 104 may include a mating cavity to receive at least a portion of the second anchor 138, such that the second anchor portion 133 is captured and thereby fixedly disposed between the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104. In other embodiments, the second anchor portion 133 may be fixedly coupled to the base plate 102 using adhesives, rivets, or may be removably coupled to the base plate 102 using bolts, nuts, or other suitable fasteners or coupling mechanisms.The bias in the second biasing portion 135 allows the second biasing portion 135 to flex or bend around the second anchoring portion 133 to allow the second sealing portion 134 to move between the first configuration and the second configuration, as described in more detail below. The second biasing portion 115 exerts a biasing force on the second sealing portion 134 in the first configuration and / or the second configuration to urge the second sealing portion 134 to move proximally and / or distally relative to the base plate 102 and the cover plate 104 within the second cavity 131.The second seal portion 134 is disposed in the second cavity 131. The second sealing portion 134 is substantially flat and is configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the inlet passage 136. In some embodiments, a second sealing element 140 may be positioned at an inlet of the inlet passage 136. The second sealing member 140 may include, for example, an O-ring. The first sealing member 120 is configured to form a second fluid-tight seal with the second sealing portion 134 when the second sealing portion 134 is in contact with the second sealing member 140 in the second configuration, as described herein.The valve 100 may be included in the pump to pump a fluid, for example an exhaust reductant (e.g., a diesel exhaust reductant). FIG. 3 shows a side cross-section of the valve 100 coupled to a diaphragm 109 of a pump, with the pressure plate 112 and the suction plate 132 in the first configuration and the second configuration. The membrane 109 is disposed on the top surface of the cover plate 104 distal to the base plate 102 such that the chamber is formed between the recess 108 of the cover plate 104 and a surface of the membrane 109 proximal to the top surface of the cover plate 104.The inlet passage 136 is fluidly coupled via an inlet conduit 162 to a tank or other supply of fluid (e.g., an exhaust reductant storage tank). The outlet passage 116 is fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit 164. The outlet conduit 164 may be in fluid communication with a system (e.g., an SCR system). In one embodiment, the inlet line 162 and the outlet line 164 may include hoses or pipes. In another embodiment, the inlet conduit 162 and the outlet conduit 164 may be defined in a plate coupled to a bottom surface of the base plate 102 such that the inlet conduit 162 and the outlet conduit 164 are in fluid communication with the inlet passage 136 and the outlet passage 116.As described above, the valve 100 is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first sealing portion 114 of the pressure plate 112 is distal to the first channel 122, and the second sealing portion 134 of the suction plate 132 is proximal to the inlet passage 136. In the second configuration, the first sealing portion 114 of the pressure plate 112 is proximal to the first channel 122, and the second sealing portion 134 of the suction plate 132 is distal to the inlet passage 136.To further explain, in a first configuration, the first sealing portion 114 of the pressure plate 112 (shown as a solid line in FIG. 3 ) is distal to the first channel 122, and the second sealing portion 134 of the suction plate 132 (shown as a solid line in FIG. 3 ) is proximal to the inlet passage 136. For example, the bias in the second biasing portion 135 may urge the second sealing portion 134 of the suction plate 132 toward the inlet passage 136. In particular embodiments, the bias in the second biasing portion 135 may be sufficient to urge the second sealing portion 134 toward the inlet passage 136 such that the second sealing portion 134, in the first configuration, forms the second fluid-tight seal with the second sealing portion 140. In this way, the fluid in the first configuration is prevented from entering the second cavity 131.The first biasing portion 115 can be elastically bent or otherwise deformed about the first anchoring portion 112 in the first configuration to move the first sealing portion 114 distally from the first channel 122. In particular embodiments, the prestress in the first prestress portion 115 is configured to urge the first sealing portion 114 in the direction of the first channel 122, and thereby form the first fluid-tight seal with the first sealing element 120 in order to fluidically seal the first channel 122. A positive pressure may be applied to the first seal portion 114 to move the first seal portion 114 distally from the first channel 122, as described herein.Further, in the first configuration, at least a portion of the diaphragm 109 may be in contact with an upper surface of the cover plate 104 such that there is little or no clearance between the diaphragm 109 and the cover plate 104. Thus, the chamber 104 formed between the diaphragm 109 and the cover plate recess 108 is not present in the first configuration.The pump may be actuated to displace at least a portion of the membrane 109 into contact with the recess 108 distal from the recess 108, as shown by arrow A. Thus, a space is formed between the diaphragm 109 and the cavity 108 defining the chamber. Further, the displacement of the diaphragm 109 generates a negative pressure or suction in the first channel 122 and the second channel 137 of the cover plate 104.The suction pulls the first seal portion 114 of the pressure plate 112 and the second seal portion 134 of the suction plate 132 toward the first channel 122 and the second channel 137. This moves the valve 100 to the second configuration such that the first sealing portion 114 is proximal to the first channel 122 and the second sealing portion 134 is distal to the inlet passage 136. The dashed lines in FIG. 3 show the first sealing portion 114 and the second sealing portion 134 in the second configuration. As described above, the movement of the first sealing portion 114 and the second sealing portion 134 may result in a bending or otherwise elastic curving of the first biasing portion 115 and the second biasing portion 135 about the first anchoring portion 113 and the second anchoring portion 133.In the second configuration, the first sealing portion 114 comes into contact with the first sealing member 120 and forms a first fluid-tight seal with the first sealing member 120, thereby fluidly sealing the first channel 122. In addition, movement of the second seal portion 134 distally from the inlet passage 136 releases the second fluid tight seal such that the fluid can be drawn into the second cavity 131 via the inlet conduit 162 and through the inlet passage 136, as shown by arrow B.Likewise, the vacuum draws the fluid into the chamber through the second channel 137. As the fluid flows into the chamber below the diaphragm 109, the vacuum in the chamber decreases and is ultimately equalized. This also compensates for the negative pressure in the second channel 137 and thereby removes the suction on the second sealing portion 134. Removal of the vacuum allows the flexed or elastically curved second biasing portion 135 to curve toward the inlet passage 136. The second sealing portion 134 also moves toward the inlet passage 136 and into the first configuration, forming the second fluid-tight seal with the second sealing member 140, thereby fluidly sealing the inlet passage 136.In some embodiments, removing the vacuum may also urge the first biasing member to curve about the first anchoring portion 113 such that the first sealing portion 114 moves distally from the first channel 122. In other embodiments, where the bias in the first biasing portion 115 is configured to urge the first sealing portion 114 towards the first channel 122, the membrane 109 may also be moved proximally to the cover plate 104 to apply a positive pressure to the first channel 122. The positive pressure acts on the first seal portion 114 to urge the pressure plate 112 into the first configuration.To further explain, the movement of the diaphragm 109 toward the cover plate 104 minimizes the space between the diaphragm 109 and the cover plate 104. Positive pressure is established in the first passage 122, which overcomes the tension of the first biasing portion 115. The first biasing portion 115 elastically flexes or curves to release the first fluid tight seal. This allows the fluid to flow into the first cavity 111 and around the first sealing portion 114 into the outlet conduit 164 via the outlet passage 116, as shown by arrow C.FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a valve 200 according to another embodiment. As with the valve in FIG. 1, the valve 200 may be included in a pump, such as a pump configured to deliver an exhaust reductant to an SCR system. The valve 200 includes a base plate 202, a cover plate 204, a pressing portion 210 including a pressing plate 212, and a suction portion 230 including a suction plate 232. FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the pressing portion 210, and FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the suction portion 230 of the valve 200.The base plate 202 defines an inlet passage 236 and an outlet passage 216 therethrough (FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The base plate 202 is substantially similar to the base plate 102 with a significant exception. The inlet passage 236 is defined by a second port 240 disposed through the base plate 202. The second port 240 may be formed of a soft, but rigid material that can resist corrosion of an aggressive liquid (e.g., an exhaust reductant such as an aqueous urea solution). Suitable materials may include, for example, rubber or polymers. The second port 240 is inserted through the base plate (e.g., through a passage defined in the base plate 202) to define the inlet passage 236. A portion of the second port 240 proximal to the cover plate 204 is configured to form a second fluid tight seal with a second sealing portion 234 of the second suction plate 232 such that an outer sealing member (e.g., the second sealing member 140 included in the valve 100) is not required.A first cavity 211 is also defined in the base plate 202 in the pressing portion 210. The first cavity 211 is configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure plate 212 as described herein and is in fluid communication with the outlet passage 216.The cover plate 204 is disposed on the base plate 202. The cover plate 204 defines a first channel 222 in the pressure portion 210 and a second channel 237 in the suction portion 230. At least a portion of the cover plate 204 between the first channel 222 and the second channel 237 may define a recess 208. The cover plate 204 is substantially similar to the cover plate 104 as described with respect to the valve 100, except for. The first channel 222 is defined by a first terminal 220 disposed through the cover plate 204. The first port 220 may be formed of the same materials as the second port 240 and may resist corrosion of the fluid (e.g., an exhaust reductant). The first terminal 220 is inserted through the cover plate 204 (e.g., through a passage defined in the cover plate 204) and defines the first channel 222 therethrough. Further, a portion of the first port 220 proximal to the cover plate 202 is shaped to form a first fluid tight seal with a first seal portion 214 of the pressure plate such that an outer seal member (e.g., the first seal member 120) is not required.The second channel 237 is aligned with the outlet passage 216 and is configured to allow the fluid drawn into the chamber to be delivered back into the cover plate 204 and into the outlet passage 216. The cover plate 204 also defines a second cavity 231 in the suction portion 230. The second cavity 231 is configured to receive at least a portion of the suction plate 232.A seal 206 is disposed on the base plate 202 and is positioned between the base plate 202 and the cover plate 204. The seal 206 may be formed of a flexible and corrosion resistant material, such as rubbers. The seal 206 includes an outer ring 206 aand an inner separator 206 bconfigured to partition the valve into the pressure portion 210 and the suction portion 230 that are fluidly isolated from each other by the valve 200 as described with respect to the valve 100.A pressing plate 212 is disposed on the base plate 202 in the pressing portion 210. The pressure plate 212 includes a first anchoring portion 213, a first sealing portion 214, and a first biasing portion 215 connecting the first anchoring portion 213 and the first sealing portion 214. The first anchor portion 213 may also include a slot configured to engage a first anchor 218 disposed on the base plate 202 positioned in the pressing portion 210 such that the first anchor portion 213 is immovably coupled to the first anchor 218. The cover plate 212 may be substantially similar to the cover plate 110 as described with respect to the valve 100, and therefore will not be described in further detail herein.The suction plate 232 is disposed in the suction region 230. The suction plate 232 includes a second anchoring portion 233, a second sealing portion 234, and a second biasing portion 235 that connects the second anchoring portion 232 to the second sealing portion 234. The second anchoring portion 233 may also include a slot configured to engage a second anchor 238 disposed on the base plate 202 in the suction portion 230 such that the second anchoring portion 233 is immovably coupled to the first anchor 138. The suction plate 232 is substantially similar to the suction plate 132 as described with respect to the valve 100, and therefore will not be described in further detail herein. the valve 100, 200, or any of the other valves described herein, may be used in a variety of pumps to pump any fluid (e.g., water, diesel exhaust fluid, oil, solvent, etc.). For example, valves 100, 200, or any of the other valves described herein, may be incorporated into a pump configured to pump an exhaust reductant from a storage tank to an SCR system in an aftertreatment system. FIG. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of an example aftertreatment system 300. The aftertreatment system 300 includes a reservoir tank 360 for storing liquid exhaust reductant, a pump 370 including the valve 100, and an SCR system 350. The aftertreatment system 300 may be used to treat an exhaust gas (e.g., a diesel exhaust gas) generated by an engine (e.g., a diesel engine) to remove any NOx gases contained in the exhaust gas. The reservoir 360 is designed to store an exhaust reductant. In some embodiments where the exhaust gas is a diesel exhaust gas, the exhaust reductant may include a diesel exhaust reductant. Such exhaust reductants may include, for example, urea or an aqueous solution of urea (e.g., the exhaust reductant available under the trade name ADBLUE® ).The SCR system 350 is fluidly connected to the engine and is configured to receive an exhaust gas (e.g., a diesel exhaust gas) from the engine. The SCR system 350 includes one or more catalysts formulated such that the exhaust gas removes any NOx gases from the exhaust gas in the presence of the exhaust reductant.The pump 370 is positioned downstream of the reservoir 360 and upstream of the SCR system 250. While shown as including the valve 100, in other embodiments, the pump 370 may include the valve 200 or any other valve described herein. The pump 370 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 360 and the SCR system 350. The pump 370 is configured to pump the exhaust reductant from the storage tank 360 to the SCR system 350 via the valve 100, as previously described herein. For example, the pump 370 may be in fluid communication with a fluid injector disposed on the SCR system 350 and configured to deliver the exhaust reductant to the SCR system 350.FIGS. 7A and 7B show optical images of a lower surface of a cover plate and an upper surface of a base plate of a valve, respectively. The valve is substantially similar to the valve 100 described herein. FIG. 7B shows a pressure plate and a suction plate disposed on the base plate and anchored to a first anchor and a second anchor, respectively. FIG. 7A shows a second cavity, a first channel and a second channel defined in the cover plate, and a first sealing member disposed at an outlet of the first channel.In a previous test of a valve constructed according to one embodiment, the valve was subjected to about 400 hours of operation and 9 cycles of freezing. After the first use, slight corrosion of the tension arms of both the pressure plate and the suction plate was observed, but after 400 hours of operation, no increase in corrosion was observed. Even after nine (9) cycles of freezing, no visible damage to the valve was observed.FIG. 8A is a plot of a pressure profile of a pump including the valve of FIGS. 7A and 7B for operation at nominal system pressure. The y-axis scale represents pressure and flow as a percentage of a particular or desired value for a pressure and flow from the pump at a predetermined operating condition of the pump. The pump equipped with the valve of FIGS. 7A-B is capable of building up and holding the outlet side pressure at 100% of the specified value (also referred to as "adjusted value"). However, the flow exceeds the indicated or expected value of the flow at the indicated pressure by 40%, indicating that the pump including the valve of FIGS. 7A-B is capable of allowing higher flow at the indicated pressure. Thus, a lower pressure may be used to achieve a desired flow, which may reduce energy requirements and costs.FIG. 8B is a plot of the suction built up in a pump containing the valve illustrating the self-priming capability that can be achieved with the valve. The y-axis represents the level of vacuum in percent of a particular value for vacuum at a predetermined operating condition of the pump. The pump equipped with the valve is capable of creating a negative pressure in an intake line in fluid communication with the pump, thus enabling self-priming to a certain head height. As seen in FIG. 8B, at a requested or otherwise desired negative pressure of 0 Pascal (0 bar), the actual negative pressure achieved by the pump including the valve is about 2.5x (about 250%) lower than the requested pressure. This shows that the valve is capable of providing sufficient vacuum to draw a fluid (e.g., water or an exhaust reductant) from a reservoir at a particular vacuum.As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the / s" also include the plural forms, unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "an element" is intended to mean a single element or a combination of elements, and "a material" is intended to mean one or more materials or a combination thereof.As used herein, the terms "about" and "about" generally mean plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example, about 0.5 would include 0.45 and 0.55, about 10 would include 9 to 11, about 1000 would include 900 to 1100.As used herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like mean directly or indirectly connecting two elements together. This connection may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). This connection can be achieved by integrally forming the two elements or the two elements and any further intermediate elements with each other as a single body, or by fixing the two elements or the two elements and any further intermediate elements with each other.It is to be understood that the structure and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in the disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, alterations, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A valve (100; 200) comprising: a base plate (102; 202) defining an inlet passage (136; 236) and an outlet passage (116; 216), wherein the inlet passage (136; 236) is included in a suction portion (130; 230) of the valve (100; 200) and the outlet passage (116; 216) is included in a pressure portion (110; 210) of the valve (100; 200); a cover plate (104; 204) disposed on the base plate (102; 202), wherein the cover plate (104; 204) defines a first channel (122; 222) in the pressure portion (110; 210) and a second channel (137; 237) in the suction portion (130; 230); a pressure plate (112; 212) disposed on the base plate (102; 202) in the pressure portion (110; 210), wherein the pressure plate (112; 212) includes a first anchoring portion (113; 213), a first sealing portion (114; 214), and a first biasing portion (115; 215) connecting the first anchoring portion (113; 213) and the first sealing portion (114; 214); a suction plate (132; 232) disposed on the base plate (102; 202) in the suction portion (130; 230), wherein the suction plate (132; 232) includes a second anchoring portion (133; 233), a second sealing portion (134; 234), and a second biasing portion (135; 235) connecting the second anchoring portion (133; 233) to the second sealing portion (134; 234); a first sealing member (120) positioned proximal to an outlet of the first channel (122; 222); and a second sealing element (140) disposed at an inlet of the inlet passage (136; 236), the valve (100; 200) being movable between: a first configuration in which the first sealing portion (114; 214) of the pressure plate (112; 212) is distal to the first channel (122; 222) and the second sealing portion (134; 234) of the suction plate (132; 232) is proximal to the inlet passage (136; 236), and a second configuration in which the first sealing portion (114; 214) of the pressure plate (112; 212) is proximal to the first channel (122; 222) and the second sealing portion (134; 234) of the suction plate (132; 232) is distal to the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein the first sealing element (120) is configured to form a first fluid-tight seal with the first sealing portion (114; 214) in the second configuration, and wherein the second sealing element (140) is configured to form a second fluid-tight seal with the second sealing portion (134; 234) in the first configuration.The valve (100; 200) of claim 1, wherein movement of the first sealing portion (114; 214) and the second sealing portion (134; 234) between the first configuration and the second configuration results in bending of the first biasing portion (115; 215) about the first anchoring portion (113; 213) and bending of the second biasing portion (135; 235) about the second anchoring portion (133; 233), respectively.The valve (100; 200) of claim 1, wherein the valve (100; 200) is movable to the second configuration by applying a vacuum in the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137; 237), wherein the vacuum moves the first sealing portion (114; 214) proximally to the first channel (122; 222) and fluidly seals the first channel (122; 222), and the vacuum also moves the second sealing portion (134; 234) distally from the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein the movement of the second sealing portion (134; 234) allows a fluid to be drawn into the inlet portion (130; 230) via the inlet passage (136; 236).The valve (100; 200) of claim 3, wherein the valve (100; 200) is movable to the first configuration by removing the vacuum, the removing allowing the first biasing portion (115; 215) to flex away from the first channel (122; 222) and moving the first sealing portion (114; 214) distally from the first channel (122; 222), and the removing further allowing the second biasing portion (135; 235) to flex toward the inlet passage (136; 236) and seal the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein the movement of the first sealing portion (114; 214) allows at least a portion of the fluid to flow through the first channel (122; 222) and around the first sealing portion (114; 214) into the outlet portion.The valve (100; 200) of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cover plate (104; 204) between the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137; 237) defines a recess (108; 208), the recess (108; 208) cooperating with a membrane (109) disposed on the cover plate (104; 204) to form a chamber, the chamber permitting fluid communication between the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137; 237).The valve (100; 200) of claim 1, wherein a first cavity (111; 211) is defined in the base plate (102; 202), and wherein the first sealing portion (114; 214) is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration within the first cavity (111; 211).The valve (100; 200) of claim 6, wherein a second cavity (131; 231) is defined in the cover plate (104; 204), and wherein the second sealing portion (134; 234) is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration within the second cavity (131; 231).The valve (100; 200) of claim 1, further comprising: a first anchor (118; 218) disposed on the base plate (102; 202) within the pressure portion (110; 210), wherein the first anchor portion (113; 213) of the pressure plate (112; 212) is immovably coupled to the first anchor (118; 218); and a second anchor (138; 238) disposed on the base plate (102; 202) within the suction portion (130; 230), wherein the second anchor portion (133; 233) of the suction plate (132; 232) is immovably coupled to the second anchor (138; 238).The valve (100; 200) of claim 1, further comprising: a seal (106; 206) disposed on the base plate (102; 202), the seal (106; 206) positioned to partition the valve (100; 200) into the pressure portion (110; 210) and the suction portion (130; 230).The valve (200) of claim 1, further comprising a first port (220) disposed through the cover plate (204) in the pressure portion (210), the first port (220) defining the first channel (222) therethrough, wherein a portion of the first port (220) proximal to the base plate (202) is configured to form a first fluid tight seal with the first seal portion (214) in the second configuration.The valve (200) of claim 10, further comprising a second port (240) disposed through the base plate (202) in the suction portion (230), the second port (240) defining the inlet passage (136; 236), a portion of the second port (240) proximal to the cover plate (204) configured to form a second fluid tight seal with the second seal portion (234) in the first configuration.A pump (370) comprising: a valve (100; 200) comprising: a base plate (102; 202) defining an inlet passage (136; 236) and an outlet passage (116; 216), wherein the inlet passage (136; 236) is included in a suction portion (130; 230) of the valve (100; 200) and the outlet passage (116; 216) is included in a pressure portion (110; 210) of the valve (100; 200); a cover plate (104; 204) disposed on the base plate (102; 202), wherein the cover plate (104; 204) defines a first channel (122; 222) in the pressure portion (110; 210) and a second channel (137; 237) in the suction portion (130; 230); a pressure plate (112; 212) disposed on the base plate (102; 204); 202) is disposed in the pressing portion (110; 210), wherein the pressing plate (112; 212) includes a first anchoring portion (113; 213), a first sealing portion (114; 214) and a first biasing portion (115; 215) connecting the first anchoring portion (113; 213) and the first sealing portion (134; 234), and a suction plate (132; 232) disposed on the base plate (102; 202) in the suction portion (130; 230), wherein the suction plate (132; 232) includes a second anchoring portion (133; 233), a second sealing portion (134; 234), and a second biasing portion (135; 235) connecting the second anchoring portion (133; 233) and the second sealing portion (134; 235); 234), a first sealing member (120) positioned proximal an outlet of the first channel (122; 222), the first sealing member (120) configured to form a first fluid tight seal with the first sealing portion (134; 234) in the second configuration, and a second sealing member (140) disposed at an inlet of the inlet passage (136; 236), the second sealing member (140) configured to form a second fluid tight seal with the second sealing portion (134; 234) in the first configuration; and a membrane (109) disposed on the cover plate (104; 204), the membrane (109) and the cover plate (104; 204) defining a chamber therebetween, the pressure portion (110; 210) and the suction portion (130; 204); 230) are in fluid communication with each other through the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137, 237) via the chamber, wherein the pump (370) is movable between a first configuration in which the membrane (109) is proximal to the cover plate (104; 204), the first sealing portion (134; 234) of the pressure plate (112; 212) is distal to the first channel (122; 222) such that fluid is expelled from the chamber through the first channel (122; 222) into the outlet passage (116; 216), and the second sealing portion (134; 234) of the suction plate (132; 232) is proximal to the inlet passage (136; 236) and fluidly seals the inlet passage (136; 236), and a second configuration in which the membrane (109) is distal to the cover plate (104; 234); 204), wherein the first sealing portion (134; 234) is proximal to the first channel (122; 222) and fluidly seals the first channel (122; 222) and the second sealing portion (134; 234) is distal from the inlet passage (136; 236) such that the fluid is drawn from the inlet passage (136; 236) into the chamber via the second channel (137, 237).The pump (370) of claim 12, wherein movement of the first sealing portion (114; 214) and the second sealing portion (134; 234) between the first configuration and the second configuration results in bending of the first biasing portion (115; 215) about the first anchoring portion (113; 213) and bending of the second biasing portion (135; 235) about the second anchoring portion (133; 233).The pump (370) of claim 13, wherein movement of the diaphragm (109) distal to the cover plate (104; 204) in the second configuration creates a vacuum in the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137; 237), the vacuum moving the first sealing portion (114; 214) proximally to the first channel (122; 222), and the vacuum also moving the second sealing portion (134; 234) distally from the inlet passage (136; 236), the movement of the second sealing portion (134; 234) allowing fluid to be drawn into the inlet portion (130; 230) via the inlet passage (136; 236).The pump (370) of claim 14, wherein movement of the diaphragm (109) proximal to the cover plate (104; 204) in the first configuration removes the vacuum in the first channel (122; 222), the removal allowing the first biasing portion (115; 215) to curve away from the first channel (122; 222) and to move the first sealing portion (114; 214) distally from the first channel (122; 222), and the removal further allowing the second biasing portion (135; 235) to curve toward the inlet passage (136; 236) and to move the second sealing portion (134; 234) toward the inlet passage (136; 236) to seal the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein movement of the first sealing portion (114; 235); 214) at least a portion of the fluid allows flow through the first channel (122; 222) and around the first sealing portion (114; 214) into the outlet portion.The pump (370) of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the cover plate (104; 204) defines a recess (108; 208) between the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137; 237), the recess (108; 208) being shaped to form the chamber between the diaphragm (109) and the cover plate (104; 204).The pump (370) of claim 12, wherein a first cavity (111; 211) is defined in the base plate (102; 202), the first sealing portion (114; 214) being movable between the first configuration and the second configuration within the first cavity (111; 211).The pump (370) of claim 17, wherein a second cavity (131; 231) is defined in the cover plate (104; 204), the second sealing portion (134; 234) being movable between the first configuration and the second configuration within the second cavity (131; 231).The pump (370) of claim 12, the valve (100; 200) further comprising: a seal (106; 206) disposed on the base plate (102; 202), the seal (106; 206) configured to divide the valve (100; 200) into the pressure portion (110; 210) and the suction portion (130; 230).An aftertreatment system (300) comprising: a selective catalytic reduction system (350) configured to receive an exhaust gas from an engine, the selective catalytic reduction system (350) including at least one catalyst configured to reduce the exhaust gas; a reservoir (360) configured to store an exhaust reductant for provision to the selective catalytic reduction system (350); the pump (370) of claim 14 in fluid communication with the reservoir (360) and the selective catalytic reduction system (350) and configured to pump the exhaust reductant from the reservoir (360) to the selective catalytic reduction system (350).The aftertreatment system (300) of claim 20, wherein movement of the membrane (109) distal to the cover plate (104; 204) in the second configuration creates a vacuum in the first channel (122; 222) and the second channel (137; 237), the vacuum moving the first sealing portion (114; 214) proximally to the first channel (122; 222), and the vacuum also moving the second sealing portion (134; 234) distally from the inlet passage (136; 236), the movement of the second sealing portion (134; 234) allowing fluid to be drawn into the inlet portion (130; 230) via the inlet passage (136; 236).The aftertreatment system (300) of claim 21, wherein movement of the diaphragm (109) proximal to the cover plate (104; 204) in the first configuration removes the vacuum in the first channel (122; 222), the removal allowing the first biasing portion (115; 215) to curve away from the first channel (122; 222) and to move the first sealing portion (114; 214) distally from the first channel (122; 222), and the removal further allowing the second biasing portion (135; 235) to curve toward the inlet passage (136; 236) and to move the second sealing portion (134; 234) toward the inlet passage (136; 236) to seal the inlet passage (136; 236), wherein movement of the first sealing portion (114; 235); 214) at least a portion of the fluid is allowed to flow through the first channel (122; 222) and around the first sealing portion (114; 214) into the outlet portion.

Images