Solenoid valve assembly having configurable solenoid connections - Patents.com

Abstract

The valve assembly includes a valve body housing a valve component for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve body, and a solenoid component for controlling the operation of the valve component. The solenoid component includes a connector cap attached to a solenoid base, the connector cap having a plurality of electrical connection openings oriented in different directions, the electrical connection openings being configurable in a plurality of orientations corresponding to different directions of a connection path with the solenoid component. The solenoid component is rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the valve body to configure the electrical connection openings in one of a plurality of first orientations corresponding to a rotational position of the solenoid component relative to the valve body. The connector cap is rotatable about a lateral axis relative to the solenoid base to configure the electrical connection openings in one of a plurality of second orientations corresponding to a rotational position of the connector cap relative to the solenoid base.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates to a solenoid valve assembly that is particularly suitable for use in hazardous environments such as in oil and gas drilling operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Valves used in hazardous environments, such as in oil and gas drilling, typically require approval from one or more regulatory agencies, such as ATEX, IECEx, and CSA / UL. Valve connections in these types of applications must use expensive fittings with similar ratings to meet various safety and other operational requirements. When using electrical components such as solenoids in these environments, valve assemblies typically employ expensive fittings with fixed orientations and configurations, such as 90 degree bends, fixed straight connectors, etc., depending on the orientation or configuration appropriate for the particular application, to meet the safety and operational requirements. If the solenoid coil or associated electrical components are damaged due to the hazardous nature of the application, the electrical equipment cannot be operated until the damaged components are replaced. However, traditional connectors are difficult to replace due to the fixed nature of the orientation or configuration. Furthermore, the fixed nature of the traditional configurations requires that the valve assembly be manufactured in an orientation or configuration associated with a particular application, so one valve assembly is not versatile for a wide range of applications. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In a conventional configuration, the solenoid component of the valve assembly has a connector cap of a single configuration that includes an opening for electrical connection with a valve body that contains a valve component that controls the flow of fluid. The connector cap is attached to a surface of a solenoid base of the solenoid component. The connector cap cannot rotate or be connected in different configurations with respect to the surface of the solenoid base to which it is attached. Thus, the fixed configuration of the connector cap determines the orientation and location of the electrical connection path to the solenoid component of the valve assembly. For example, a conventional connector cap may have an electrical connection opening that opens horizontally with respect to the solenoid base, or a conventional connector cap may have an electrical connection opening that opens vertically with respect to the solenoid base. In either configuration, the configuration determined by the connector cap is fixed at the time of manufacture of the connector, otherwise the connector cap is connected in one fixed position with respect to the solenoid base and cannot be configured in different positions or orientations with respect to the solenoid base.

[0004] The fixed, single-piece nature of conventional designs makes such valve assemblies unsuitable for the possible different orientations required for different applications and therefore may require multiple electrical connection fittings and connectors to achieve the desired electrical connection path. Multiple contacts are particularly undesirable in hazardous environments because they add potential points of failure. The fixed, single-piece nature of conventional designs also makes replacement of any damaged electrical components more difficult because various connections must be disconnected to access the damaged component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present application describes a valve assembly having an improved solenoid component that provides an electrical connection that can be connected in a number of different configurations or orientations. The solenoid component of the valve assembly includes a connector cap attached to a solenoid base, the connector cap including a number of connection openings that can be configured in one of a number of different orientations. The solenoid component can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the solenoid component relative to a valve body that houses the valve component of the valve assembly, thereby reconfiguring the connection openings along a first orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, similar to the solenoid component, the connector cap of the solenoid component can be rotated about a lateral axis of the solenoid component relative to the solenoid base of the solenoid component, thereby reconfiguring the connection openings along a second orientation relative to the lateral axis, where the lateral axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The connection openings that are not used for electrical connection in an orientation or configuration are blocked. The valve assembly may be configured as a single solenoid valve assembly, where a single solenoid component operates the valve components, or as a dual solenoid valve assembly, where two solenoid components are located at opposite ends of the valve body and operate the valve components.

[0006] Thus, the solenoid components are rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the valve body and the solenoid connector cap is rotatable about the lateral axis relative to the solenoid base, thereby allowing the connecting openings to be configured in one of a number of orientations. To optimize the valve assembly to be particularly suitable for hazardous environment approvals, the solenoid components can be configured to have the connecting openings in one of a number of orientations, thereby minimizing the number of explosion-proof connectors or fittings required to achieve the desired electrical connection paths. This minimization also allows easier access to the solenoid components, thereby reducing the time to repair and replace the electrical components in the event of a malfunction.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, each solenoid component employs a configurable connector cap attached to a solenoid base. The connector cap has two electrical connection openings, and in an initial position, a first connection opening opens perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the solenoid base and a second connection opening opens perpendicular to the lateral axis of the solenoid base. The two electrical connection openings are thus oriented perpendicular to each other. Only one of the connection openings is used during operation, and the unused connection opening is blocked. The solenoid component is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the valve body to reconfigure the first and second connection openings to a first orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, similar to the solenoid component, the second connection opening can be reconfigured to a second orientation relative to the lateral axis by rotating the connector cap of the solenoid component relative to the solenoid base of the solenoid component about the lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In one example, the first orientation includes any degree of rotation about the longitudinal axis relative to the valve body and / or the second orientation is assigned to every 90° rotation of the connector cap about the lateral axis relative to the solenoid base. This ability to reconfigure to one of a number of orientations allows for more precise alignment of the electrical connection apertures to be selected to minimize the number of connectors or fittings required to achieve a given electrical connection orientation, thereby reducing the number of potential contact points that can cause failure.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the valve body housing the valve components includes a threaded nut for receiving the male threads of the threaded retainer of the solenoid component, and the engagement of the threaded nut and the threaded retainer rotatably secures the solenoid component to the valve body. Upon damage to an electrical element of the solenoid component (e.g., a solenoid coil), the entire solenoid component can be removed from the valve body. A threaded valve cap can then be installed on the valve body via the threaded nut to hold the valve component in a desired position until the damaged solenoid component can be replaced. Alternatively, one of the solenoid components can be replaced with the threaded valve cap to implement a single solenoid configuration in which only one solenoid drives the valve component.

[0009] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is an improved solenoid component with a plurality of electrical connection openings that can be configured in different orientations. In an exemplary embodiment, a valve assembly includes a valve body housing a valve component for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve body, and at least one solenoid component for controlling the operation of the valve component. The at least one solenoid component includes a connector cap attached to a solenoid base, the connector cap having a plurality of electrical connection openings including a first electrical connection opening and a second electrical connection opening oriented in different directions relative to each other, the first and second electrical connection openings being configurable in a plurality of orientations corresponding to different directions of a connection path to the solenoid component. The at least one solenoid component is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least one solenoid component relative to the valve body to configure the first and second electrical connection openings in one of a plurality of first orientations, where each of the plurality of first orientations corresponds to one rotational position of the at least one solenoid component relative to the valve body. The connector cap is rotatable about a lateral axis of the at least one solenoid component relative to the solenoid base to configure the first and second electrical connection openings in one of a plurality of second orientations, where each of the plurality of second orientations corresponds to one rotational position of the connector cap relative to the solenoid base.

[0010] These and further features of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. In the description and drawings, certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail as illustrating some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be utilized, with the understanding that the invention is not correspondingly limited in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications, and equivalents within the spirit and terms of the appended claims. Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments and / or may be used in combination with or instead of features of the other embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary valve assembly with a configurable solenoid component with electrical connection openings in a first configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary valve assembly of FIG. 1 in an unexploded state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the example valve assembly of FIG. 2 with the electrical connection openings of the solenoid components in a second configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the example valve assembly of FIG. 2 with the electrical connection openings of the solenoid components in a third configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a variation of the exemplary valve assembly of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, and it will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary valve assembly 10 with configurable solenoid components according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 illustrates an unexploded perspective view of the exemplary valve assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The valve assembly 10 includes a valve body 12 that houses valve components that control the flow of fluid through the valve assembly. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve assembly 10 has a dual solenoid configuration with a first solenoid component 14a and a second solenoid component 14b located at opposite ends of the valve body 12, which operates the valve components as known in the art. Any suitable solenoid operable valve components may be employed and housed within the valve body 12. In the example of FIG. 1, the valve components have a spool valve configuration including a spool 16 biased by opposing springs 18a, 18b and supported using washers 20a, 20b. Solenoid components 14a, 14b each include an actuation rod 22a, 22b that is driven by an electrical component of the solenoid component to control the positioning of spool 16 for control of fluid flow. Valve assembly 10 may be configured to have a single solenoid configuration utilizing only one or the other of the solenoid components, as described in more detail below.

[0014] Each solenoid component 14a / 14b further includes a respective threaded retainer 28 that rotatably secures the solenoid component to the body 12 (the threaded retainer on the solenoid component 14a is not visible in the view of FIG. 1). More specifically, the threaded retainer 28 attaches the solenoid component 14a / 14b to the body 12 in a rotatable manner such that the solenoid components 14a / 14b can be independently rotated relative to the body 12, as described in more detail below. The threaded retainer 28 is rotatably connected to a threaded nut 30 located within the body 12 (the body's threaded nut connected to the solenoid component 14b is not visible in the view of FIG. 1). The solenoid components 14a / 14b further include respective end fasteners 32a / 32b that receive end caps 34a / 34b (see FIG. 2). When end caps 34a / 34b are tightened onto end fasteners 32a / 32b, the solenoid components and the valve disc remain fixed together, thereby holding the valve assembly components in a particular configuration or orientation of the solenoid components relative to the valve disc.

[0015] 1 and 2 are used to define the orientation axes of the solenoid components 14a, 14b. In particular, the solenoid components include a longitudinal axis (A) of each solenoid component and a lateral axis (B) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).

[0016] Each solenoid component 14a, 14b of the valve assembly 10 includes a connector cap 36a / 36b attached to a solenoid base 38a / 38b. The connector cap generally includes a number of electrical connection openings that can be reconfigured into one of a number of different orientations. As described in more detail below, the solenoid components can be individually rotated about their longitudinal axis (A) relative to the valve body housing the valve components of the valve assembly to configure the electrical connection openings along a first orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, similar to the solenoid components, the connector caps of the solenoid components can be individually rotated about their transverse axis (B) relative to the respective solenoid bases of the solenoid components to configure the electrical connection openings along a second orientation relative to the transverse axis. Electrical connection openings that are not used for electrical connection in one orientation are blocked.

[0017] With particular reference to the exploded view of Figure 1, as referenced above, each solenoid component 14a / 14b has a configurable connector cap 36a / 36b attached to a solenoid base 38a / 38b. Each connector cap 36a / 36b has a plurality of electrical connection openings. In the orientation shown in Figure 1, the plurality of electrical connection openings includes at least one first electrical connection opening 40a / 40b opening perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the solenoid base 38a / 38b and a second electrical connection opening 42a / 42b opening perpendicular to the lateral axis (B) of the solenoid base 38a / 38b (the electrical connection opening 42b is not directly visible in the perspective of Figure 1). More generally, the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b open in a first direction and the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b open in a second direction, the first and second directions being perpendicular to each other. FIGS. 1 and 2 (unexploded views) show the solenoid components with the electrical connection openings in a first configuration, in which the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b extend vertically as oriented in these figures and the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b extend horizontally as oriented in these figures. It will be understood that terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" are used for convenient description in view of the orientation shown in the drawings, and that the entire valve assembly 10 may generally be oriented in any direction suitable for a particular application.

[0018] Only one of the electrical connection openings of a solenoid connector is used during operation, and the unused electrical connection opening of the solenoid connector is blocked. With further reference to FIG. 2, in this particular example, the first electrical connection opening 40a / 40b is the used electrical connection opening. Thus, FIG. 2 shows an electrical connector 44a / 44b connected to the used electrical connection opening 40a / 40b for electrical connection with the solenoid component of the valve assembly. The unused second electrical connection opening 42a / 42b is blocked with a plug 46a / 46b. Retention of the plug in the electrical connection opening can be enhanced by the use of a washer 48a / 48b. By alternating the used and unused electrical connection openings, different electrical connection paths can be provided to the solenoid component in multiple directions. For example, an electrical connector can be connected to the second electrical connection opening 42a / 42b while the first electrical connection opening 40a / 40b is blocked by a plug 46a / 46b. Similarly, the first electrical connection opening 40a and the second electrical connection opening 42b can be active electrical connection openings while the second electrical connection opening 42a and the first electrical connection opening 40b are blocked, or vice versa. Thus, one of the first electrical connection opening or the second electrical connection opening that receives a plug becomes an unused electrical connection opening and is blocked, and the other of the first electrical connection opening or the second electrical connection opening that does not receive a plug becomes an active electrical connection opening through which an electrical connection is made to the solenoid component. In this manner, by employing multiple vertically oriented electrical connection openings within a single solenoid component, multiple different configurations of electrical connection openings, and therefore electrical connection paths to the solenoid component, can be achieved with a single valve assembly 10 depending on which electrical connection openings are used to block which electrical connection openings.

[0019] Further configurations of the electrical connection openings, and thus the resulting electrical connection paths, can also be achieved by rotating the solenoid components and / or by rotating the connector caps. In general, each solenoid component 14a / 14b is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (A) relative to the valve body 12 to reconfigure the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b and the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b to a first orientation about the longitudinal axis (A). Furthermore, similar to the solenoid components, the connector caps 36a / 36b of the solenoid components are rotatable about a transverse axis (B) relative to the solenoid bases 38a / 38b of the solenoid components to reconfigure the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b to a second orientation about the transverse axis. In one example, the first orientation includes any degree of rotation about a longitudinal axis relative to the valve body, and / or the second orientation is assigned to every 90° rotation about a transverse axis of the connector cap relative to the solenoid base. To optimize the valve assembly for particular suitability for hazardous environment approvals, the solenoid components can be configured to have electrical connection openings in one of a number of orientations, thereby minimizing the number of explosion-proof connectors or fittings required to achieve the desired electrical connection path, thereby reducing the number of contacts that can cause potential failures. This minimization also allows easier access to the solenoid components, thereby reducing the time to repair and replace the electrical components in the event of a malfunction.

[0020] For example, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the exemplary valve assembly 10 of Fig. 2, in which the electrical connection openings of the solenoid components are in a second configuration. In comparison with Fig. 2, in this example of Fig. 3, the solenoid component 14a is rotated 90° counterclockwise relative to the valve body 12 about the longitudinal axis (A), and the oppositely facing solenoid component 14b is rotated 90° clockwise relative to the valve body 12 about the longitudinal axis (A), such that the electrical connectors 44a, 44b extend in the same direction from the solenoid connectors. Thus, in this particular example, the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b open horizontally, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), and the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b also open horizontally, but in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A). Any configuration of the first and second electrical connection openings can be achieved as long as the solenoid components can be rotated any number of degrees of rotation about the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the valve body 12. Furthermore, each solenoid component 14a, 14b can be rotated individually and independently of the other solenoid component, such that the solenoid components 14a, 14b can be rotated in different directions and / or by different degrees of rotation about the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the valve body 12. After an orientation configuration is selected, the position can be fixed by tightening the end caps 34a, 34b onto the end fasteners 32a, 32b, visible in FIG.

[0021] Similar to Fig. 2, in the configuration of Fig. 3, the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b are used electrical connection openings connected to electrical connectors 44a / 44b, and the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b are unused electrical connection openings blocked by plugs 46a / 46b. As described above, by changing the combination of used and blocked electrical connection openings, multiple configurations of different electrical connection openings can be obtained for a given rotation angle.

[0022] As another example, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the exemplary valve assembly 10 of FIG. 2, with the electrical connection openings of the solenoid components in a third configuration. FIG. 4 illustrates how different configurations of the electrical connection openings can be achieved based on the rotational position of the solenoid connector caps 36a / 36b relative to the respective solenoid bases 38a / 38b. In comparison with FIG. 2, in this example of FIG. 4, the connector cap 36a, like the solenoid component 14a, is rotated 90° clockwise relative to the solenoid base 38a about the lateral axis (B). Like the oppositely facing solenoid component 14b, the connector cap 36b is rotated 90° counterclockwise relative to the solenoid base 38b about the lateral axis (B), such that the electrical connectors 44a, 44b extend from the connector caps in the same direction. Thus, in this particular example, the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b open horizontally, in a direction along the lateral axis (B), and the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b open horizontally, in a direction perpendicular to a vertical plane that contains both the longitudinal axis (A) and the lateral axis (B). It should be noted that for a given rotational position of the solenoid component 14a / 14b relative to the valve body 12, rotation of the connector cap 36a / 36b relative to the solenoid base 38a / 38b does not change the orientation of the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b, respectively.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotational positions of the solenoid connector cap 36a / 36b relative to each solenoid base 38a / 38b are assigned in 90° increments, allowing four orientations of the connector cap and corresponding second electrical connection opening relative to the solenoid base, the increments being oriented 90° apart. As shown in the example of FIG. 4, each connector cap 36a / 36b includes four flat surfaces 50a / 50b that are equidistantly separated by four curved surfaces 52a / 52b. The flat surfaces and the curved surfaces extend from a base plate 54a / 54b. The flat surfaces, the curved surfaces, and the base plate of a given solenoid connector cap may be formed from a single, integral piece of material. The curved surfaces define recesses for positioning fastening elements 56a / 56b that secure the base plate 54a / 54b of the connector cap 36a / 36b to the respective solenoid base 38a / 38b. The fastening elements may be bolt fasteners, screw fasteners, or any other suitable fastening elements. With this configuration, each connector cap can be secured to each solenoid base in one of four orientations oriented in 90° rotational increments, thereby allowing four 90° orientations of the second electrical connection opening. Furthermore, each connector cap 36a, 36b can be rotated individually and independently of the other connector cap, such that the connector caps 36a, 36b can assume different rotational positions about each lateral axis (B).

[0024] In addition, in the example of Fig. 4, the used electrical connection openings and the unused blocked electrical connection openings are reversed with respect to Fig. 2, so that in Fig. 4, the second electrical connection openings 42a / 42b are used electrical connection openings connected to the electrical connectors 44a / 44b, and the first electrical connection openings 40a / 40b are unused electrical connection openings blocked by the plugs 46a / 46b. Similarly, as described above, by changing the combination of used electrical connection openings and blocked electrical connection openings, additional different configurations of electrical connection openings can be obtained for one rotational position of the connector cap.

[0025] In view of the above, it can be seen that the various configurations of the electrical connection openings can be achieved by different combinations of one or more of the following: (1) the rotational position of each solenoid component relative to the valve body; (2) the rotational position of each connector cap relative to each solenoid base of the solenoid components; and (3) connected, in-use electrical connection openings and unused, blocked electrical connection openings. As referenced above, this reconfigurability into one of a number of orientations allows for the selection of more precise alignment of the electrical connection openings to minimize the number of connectors or fittings required to achieve a connection orientation, thereby reducing the number of explosion-proof contacts that can potentially cause failures. This minimization also allows for easier access to the solenoid components, thereby reducing the time to repair and replace the electrical components in the event of malfunction.

[0026] 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary valve assembly 10a that is a variation of the exemplary valve assembly 10 of FIG. 1. As referenced above, one possible configuration of the valve assembly 10 / 10a is a dual solenoid configuration, with a first solenoid component 14a and a second solenoid component 14b disposed at opposite ends of the valve body 12. Additionally, a threaded retainer 28 rotatably attaches the solenoid components 14a / 14b to the valve body 12 by connection to a threaded nut 30 located within the valve body 12, and engagement of the threaded nut and the threaded retainer secures the solenoid components to the valve body in the rotatable manner described above. In another configuration, at least one of the solenoid components may be absent and instead replaced by a threaded valve cap connected to the valve body 12 via the threaded nut 30.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 5, the dashed lines in this exploded view show the alternative configuration described above, in which one solenoid part is replaced by a threaded valve cap. In particular, the first solenoid part 14a can be replaced by a threaded valve cap 60a. After the spring 18a is inserted into the valve body 12 and secured by the washer 20a, the valve cap 60a is screwed onto the threaded nut 30 of the valve body, securing the valve cap 60a to the valve body. The connection of the threaded valve cap 60a to the threaded nut 30 of the valve body 12 can be sealed by means of an O-ring seal 62a disposed between the end of the threaded cap and the valve body, in particular between the end of the threaded cap and the washer 30a. Similarly, the second solenoid part 14b can be replaced by a threaded valve cap 60b. After the spring 18b is inserted into the valve body 12 and secured with the washer 20b, the valve cap 60b is screwed onto the threaded nut on the opposite side of the valve body to secure the valve cap 60b to the valve body. The connection of the threaded cap 60b to the valve body 12 can be sealed using an O-ring seal 62b located between the end of the threaded cap and the valve body, and specifically between the end of the threaded cap and the washer 30b.

[0028] The use of the threaded valve cap 60a / 60b serves two main purposes. Upon damage to the electrical element (e.g., the solenoid coil) of one of the solenoid components, the entire damaged solenoid component can be removed from the valve body and replaced with the threaded valve cap. The threaded valve cap can be installed on the valve body via a threaded nut to hold the valve component in a desired position until the damaged solenoid component can be replaced. Alternatively, a single solenoid configuration may be implemented in which only one solenoid component drives the valve component by replacing one of the solenoid components with a threaded valve cap.

[0029] While the present invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more specific embodiments, it is apparent that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms used in the description of such elements (including references to "means") are intended to correspond to any element that performs the designated function of the described element (i.e., is functionally equivalent), unless otherwise indicated, even if it is not structurally equivalent to a structure of the present disclosure that performs that function in one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated herein. Moreover, although a particular feature of the present invention may be described above with respect to only one or more of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may also be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, as may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. a valve body housing valve components for controlling fluid flow through the valve body; and at least one solenoid component that controls the operation of said valve component; 1. A valve assembly comprising: The at least one solenoid component may include a connector cap attached to a solenoid base, the connector cap having a plurality of electrical connection openings including a first electrical connection opening and a second electrical connection opening oriented in different directions relative to each other, the first and second electrical connection openings configured in a plurality of orientations corresponding to a plurality of different directions of an electrical connection path to the solenoid component; the at least one solenoid component is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least one solenoid component relative to the valve body to configure the first electrical connection opening and the second electrical connection opening in one of a plurality of first orientations, wherein each of the plurality of first orientations corresponds to a rotational position of the at least one solenoid component relative to the valve body; a valve assembly, wherein the connector cap is rotatable about a lateral axis of the at least one solenoid component relative to the solenoid base to configure the first electrical connection opening and the second electrical connection opening in one of a plurality of second orientations, wherein each of the plurality of second orientations corresponds to one rotational position of the connector cap relative to the solenoid base.

2. 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one solenoid component includes a threaded retainer and the valve disc includes a threaded nut, and the at least one solenoid component is rotatably connected to the valve disc by interaction of the threaded retainer and the threaded nut.

3. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second orientations are arranged at a plurality of 90° positions relative to the solenoid base.

4. 4. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the connector cap includes a plurality of flat surfaces alternating with a plurality of curved surfaces, the plurality of flat surfaces and the plurality of curved surfaces extending from a base plate, the plurality of curved surfaces defining recesses for positioning a fastening element to map the 90° position relative to the solenoid base.

5. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plug received in one of the first electrical connection opening or the second electrical connection opening, wherein the one of the first fluid electrical connection or the second electrical connection opening that receives the plug is an unused electrical connection that is blocked, and the other of the first electrical connection opening or the second electrical connection opening that does not receive the plug is an active electrical connection opening that allows electrical connection with the solenoid component.

6. 6. The valve assembly of claim 5, further comprising a washer positioned between an end of the plug and the one of the first fluid opening or the second electrical opening that receives the plug.

7. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first electrical connection opening opens in a first direction and the second electrical connection opening opens in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other.

8. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve component includes a spool actuated by the at least one solenoid component.

9. 3. The valve assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one solenoid component includes a first solenoid component and a second solenoid component positioned on opposite sides of the valve body.

10. the first solenoid component includes a first threaded retainer and the second solenoid component includes a second threaded retainer; the valve body including a first threaded nut for receiving the first threaded retainer and a second threaded nut for receiving the second threaded retainer; 10. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the first solenoid component and the second solenoid component are rotatably connected to the valve disc by interaction of the first threaded retainer with the first threaded nut and interaction of the second threaded retainer with the second threaded nut, respectively.

11. a threaded valve cap receivable within said first threaded nut and said second threaded nut, wherein said threaded valve cap replaces said first solenoid component when said valve cap is received within said first threaded nut; 11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the second solenoid component is replaced by the threaded valve cap when the threaded valve cap is received within the second threaded nut.

12. 12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein the connection of the threaded valve cap to the threaded nut that receives the threaded valve cap is sealed with an O-ring seal.

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