Solenoid valve seat and method of making same

Details Solenoid valve seat and method of making same Solenoid valve seat and method of making same

1999-08-24

2001-06-05

Kaufman, Joseph A. (Department: 3754)

Fluid handling

Processes

Cleaning, repairing, or assembling

C251S333000, C029S890122, C264S322000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06240947

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heavy vehicle ABS pneumatic brake system and, more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved valve seat for solenoid valve assemblies employed in modulators associated with pneumatic brake systems.
2. Discussion of the Art
Solenoid valve assemblies, and particularly the valve seats thereof, are of conventional structure in pneumatic brake systems. Typically the seats are made or formed of a bonded rubber. Rubber is desirable since it has good sealing qualities that conform to the valve member. That is, the elastomeric property of the rubber provides an air tight seal when the valve member engages the seat. This is one of the reasons that rubber seats are commonly used in pneumatic brake systems.
On the other hand, rubber or bonded rubber valve seats are relatively expensive. Also, due to compressibility of rubber, increased travel is needed to operate and seal a rubber valve seat. Moreover, they have durability issues. Temperature extremes result in different sealing capabilities of the valve seat. For example, when exposed to extremely cold temperatures, sealing performance of the valve decreases and is attributable at least in part to the valve seat. Accordingly, the inconsistency in performance, expense, and durability of bonded rubber valve seats have prompted consideration of alternative assemblies.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a less expensive valve seat for a solenoid valve assembly used in a pneumatic brake system that overcomes the above-noted problems and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates a new and improved valve assembly and a method of manufacturing the valve assembly for a pneumatic braking system and provides a simple, economical, and effective solenoid valve seat.
The valve assembly includes a housing having an inlet and outlet communicating with a valve chamber in the housing. A valve member is disposed in the chamber and moves toward open and closed positions relative to the outlet. A plastic valve seat is disposed in the valve chamber adjacent the outlet and is selectively engaged by the valve member. The valve seat has a contour formed by the valve member during manufacture so that it conforms to the valve member for improved sealing.
The valve assembly further includes a biasing member that urges the valve member toward the valve seat.
According to the inventive method of manufacturing the valve assembly, the valve member is heated to a predetermined temperature and brought into engagement with the valve seat for a predetermined time period to conform a portion of the valve seat to an external contour of the valve member.
According to another aspect of the manufacturing method, the valve member and the valve seat conformed thereto are maintained together as a combination in the completed valve assembly.
A primary advantage of the invention is the ability to decrease the cost of the overall assembly, provide effective performance through a wide range of temperatures, and assure effective sealing between the valve member and seat.
Yet another advantage of the invention resides in the simplified method of forming a precise fit between the valve member and the seat.
Still another advantage of the invention is found in the increased performance of the assembly since less travel is required to operate the valve.
Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3191277 (1965-06-01), Glasgow
patent: 3395890 (1968-08-01), Eckert et al.
patent: 3827122 (1974-08-01), Douglas
patent: 4835849 (1989-06-01), Morse
patent: 4995346 (1991-02-01), Hudson, Jr.
patent: 5107890 (1992-04-01), Gute
patent: 5509444 (1996-04-01), Robinson et al.
patent: 5545370 (1996-08-01), Moren et al.
U.S. Application Serial No. 09/108,053.

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