Hydrogen Tank Shut-Off Valve With Multi-Part Armature Packaging

The valve element is divided into multiple parts (first part, second part, third part) that can move independently or collectively. The first part seals against the first pressure surface, while the second and third parts form a magnetic armature actuated by the solenoid coil. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve reliable shut-off function through distributed sealing surfaces while reducing the overall stroke requirement compared to a single large-movement valve element.

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the control valve is positioned within the valve body, and the multi-part valve elements are arranged concentrically. The first, second, and third parts are nested along the axial direction, with each part contributing to the sealing or actuation function. This nesting allows compact packaging of multiple functional elements within a small installation footprint while maintaining reliable shut-off capability.

The sealing function is segmented across multiple pressure surfaces (first pressure surface, second pressure surface, third pressure surface) that act on different parts of the valve element. This allows the total sealing force to be distributed across multiple smaller displacement movements rather than requiring one large stroke, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while reducing the space needed for valve operation.

The patent changes the operational parameters by using a multi-part valve element where each part can move different distances. The first part may have a smaller stroke for its sealing surface, while the magnetic armature parts (second and third parts) are actuated by the solenoid coil over a different displacement range. This parameter differentiation allows optimized sealing at each surface without requiring uniformly large strokes throughout the entire valve mechanism.

The patent merges the control functions into a single solenoid coil that actuates the magnetic armature formed by the second and third parts of the valve element. This single actuator replaces what would traditionally require multiple magnetic actuators, reducing the installation space and component count while maintaining reliable valve operation through the integrated magnetic field that can simultaneously influence multiple valve parts.

The solenoid coil serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field to actuate the magnetic armature (second and third parts), it controls both the opening and closing of the valve through single-pole operation, and it coordinates the movement of multiple valve parts simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators for each valve part, reducing installation space while ensuring reliable operation.