Patent ID: 6805331
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: F02M,F16K

Abstract:
An electromagnetically energized actuator comprising:a tube having a first end and an opposite second end; a first plate having an opening, said first plate being connected to said first end of said tube at said opening; a second plate connected to said second end of said tube; a stop composed of a high permeability material, said stop being stationarily located in said tube and having a low reluctance magnetic interface with said second plate; a plunger composed of a high permeability material, said plunger being reciprocally located in said tube such that said plunger is reciprocal between a first position and a second position, said plunger having a magnetic interface with said first plate characterized at said opening by a compound secondary air gap, said compound secondary air gap comprising a first gap component and a second gap component, wherein when said plunger is at said first position said compound secondary air gap has a first position reluctance comprising said first gap component having a first reluctance and said second gap component having a second reluctance, wherein said first reluctance is much smaller than said second reluctance; and a spring assembly located between said plunger and said stop which biases said plunger away from said stop; wherein a magnetic circuit is defined between said first plate and said second plate, said magnetic circuit including said plunger, said stop, a primary air gap between said plunger and said stop, and said compound secondary air gap between said plunger and said first plate; and wherein said first plate has a recess at said first opening, said tube having a substantially uniform tube sidewall thickness, said recess having a depth substantially equal to said tube sidewall thickness, said tube being inserted into said recess, and wherein said recess forms said second gap component.