Patent Publication Number: US-2017356562-A1

Title: Systems and methods for filter orientation on a control valve

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to control valves and, more specifically, to systems and methods for filter orientation on a control valve. 
     Several industries commonly use control valves that direct, for example, hydraulic oil. Typical control valve environments (e.g., an internal combustion engine) are known to contain contaminants, which could potentially affect the function of the control valve. System performance issues due to contamination affecting control valve function can be a failure mode in many control valve applications. In an attempt to minimize this failure mode, one or more filters are generally installed on the control valve to restrict contaminants from entering the internal components of the control valve. Typically, these filters are orientated on or around supply and work ports of the control valve. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides systems and methods for filter orientation on a control valve. In particular, systems and methods are provided for rotationally orienting a filter retention feature with respect to an application fluid passageway to control forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention feature. Additionally, methods for manufacturing a control valve are provided that enable a rotational relationship between a filter retention feature and an application fluid passageway to be constrained. 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a control valve. The control valve includes a mounting feature and a valve body, and is configured to be installed in an application structure having at least one application passageway arranged therein. The method includes determining a location of a body key way arranged on the valve body, upon determining the location of the body key way, rotating the valve body such that the location of the body key way is in a first known orientation. The method further includes upon rotating the valve body such that the location of the body key way is in the first known orientation, installing a filter around a port arranged on the valve body thereby forming a valve body subassembly, and upon installing the filter around the port on the valve body, rotating the valve body subassembly such that the location of the mounting feature is in a second known orientation with respect to the first known orientation of the body key way. The method further includes coupling the mounting feature to the valve body subassembly. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a control valve configured to be installed in an application structure having at least one application passageway arranged therein. The control valve includes a valve body having a port configured to be in fluid communication with the application passageway and a body key way arranged adjacent to the port. The control valve further includes a mounting feature, and a filter coupled around the port of the valve body. The filter includes a filter retention feature to secure the filter around the port and a filter key received within the body key way to prevent rotation of the filter with respect to the valve body. A rotational relationship between the filter retention feature and the mounting feature is configured to enable a retention passageway angle between the at least one application passageway and the filter retention feature to be between approximately 45 degrees and 315 degrees, when the control valve is installed in the application structure. 
     The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims and herein for interpreting the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a control valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the control valve of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the control valve of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a filter with a clasp filter retention feature according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows the filter of  FIG. 4  installed on a port of the control valve of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a molded filter according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows the filter of  FIG. 6  installed on a port of the control valve of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a partial view of a valve body of the control valve of  FIG. 1  with filters installed over ports on the valve body according to one aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the control valve of  FIG. 1  illustrating rotational relationships between a filter, a mounting feature and a valve body according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the control valve of  FIG. 1  illustrating rotational relationships between a filter retention feature, a mounting feature and a valve body according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the control valve of  FIG. 1  installed in an application structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the control valve of  FIG. 1  installed in an application structure illustrating a rotational relationship between a filter retention feature and an application passageway according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart outlining steps for manufacturing a control valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently, mechanical failure of a retention feature (e.g., a weld, a mechanical clasp, a molded clasp, etc.) on a filter is a common failure mode in control valves employing a filter to control contamination. Mechanical failure of the retention feature may be caused by fatigue from stresses induced by pressure pulsations or flow forces. If a retention feature on a filter mechanically fails, the filter may not remain constrained around its respective supply/work port. This failure mode can result in contaminant reaching the internal components of the control valve and/or the filter itself becoming a dangerous contaminant to the control valve, or other application components. 
     Often, in an attempt to meet durability requirements, a filter and its corresponding retention feature can be designed to be robust to the pressure and flow rate requirements of a specific application. In some applications, the design of the filter and its corresponding retention feature may have to survive extreme pressure and fluid flow reversals (i.e., large cyclic variations in pressure and/or fluid flow). The requirement to survive extreme pressure and fluid flow reversals can lead to added costs in the design (e.g., due to thicker/stronger materials, larger retention features, etc.). 
     Due to the importance of maintaining the mechanical integrity of a filter retention feature to prevent contamination of a control valve, it would be desirable to have systems and methods for filter orientation on a control valve to control forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention feature. Additionally, it would be desirable to implement the filter orientation systems and methods when manufacturing a control valve to ensure that the filter retention features are oriented properly in application and without placing a burden on the installer. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show one non-limiting example of a control valve  10  according to the present disclosure. The control valve  10  can include a connector  12 , a housing  14 , a mounting feature  16 , and a valve body  18 . The connector  12  can provide electrical communication between the control valve  10  and an external controller (not shown) to enable electronic control of the control valve  10 . The housing  14  can be coupled to the valve body  18  with the mounting feature  16  arranged therebetween. In this way, the coupling of the housing  14  to the valve body  18  can lock the mounting feature  16  in place and inhibit rotation of the housing  14  with respect to the valve body  18 . 
     The illustrated housing  14  can include opposing cutouts  20  to receive the mounting feature  16  and, when assembled, the housing  14  can extend over the mounting feature  16  and be crimped to a first end  22  of the valve body  18 . It should be appreciated that the illustrated design and attachment mechanism of the housing  14 , the mounting feature  16 , and the valve body  18  is not meant to be limiting in any way and, in other non-limiting examples, the housing  14 , the mounting feature  16 , and/or the valve body  18  may be designed and/or attached differently, as desired. In some non-limiting examples, the mounting feature  16  may be attached to or formed integrally with the valve body  18  and/or the housing  14 . In some non-limiting examples, anti-rotation geometry (e.g., keyed features) may be implemented to couple the housing  14  to the valve body  18 . 
     The housing  14  is configured to enclose an actuator (not shown) typically in the form on an electromechanical actuator, or solenoid. The actuator (not shown) can be coupled to a valve element (not shown), or spool, slidably arranged within the valve body  18 . Actuation of the valve element (not shown) via the actuator (not shown) can selectively control fluid flow through the control valve  10 , as will be described below. 
     The mounting feature  16  can facilitate attaching the control valve  10  to a surface on or in which the control valve  10  is mounted in application. The illustrated mounting feature  16  can be in the form of a mounting flange, or bracket, that extends outwardly between the housing  14  and the valve body  18 . The illustrated mounting feature  16  includes a mounting aperture  24  configured to receive a mounting fastener (not shown), such as a bolt, a rivet, a screw, etc. It should be appreciated that the design of the illustrated mounting feature  16  is not meant to be limiting in any way, and other mechanisms for attaching the control valve  10  to a surface, in application, are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The valve body  18  can include a plurality of ports  26  spaced longitudinally apart along the valve body  18 . The plurality of ports  26  can each define a generally annular radial recess formed in the valve body  18 . Each of the plurality of ports  26  can be configured to receive a filter  28 . That is, when assembled, the filters  28  can extend circumferentially around each of their respective port  26 . The illustrated valve body  18  includes three ports  26 . The number of ports  26  is not meant to be limiting in any way and, in other non-limiting examples, the valve body  18  can include more or less than three ports  26 , as desired. 
     The plurality of ports  26  can each include a body key way  30  formed therein. Each of the body key ways  30  can define a generally concave cutout, which is formed on a first recess surface  32  of the ports  26 , that extends radially inward. When assembled, the body key ways  30  each can be configured to receive a filter key  34  of the respective filter  28  received within the port  26 . The body key ways  30  and the filter keys  34  can cooperate, when assembled, to inhibit rotation of the filters  28  with respect to the valve body  18 , as will be described below. It should be appreciated that other anti-rotation mechanisms to rotationally constrain the filters  28  with respect to the valve body  18  are possible, and the illustrated body key ways  30  and corresponding filter keys  34  are but one non-limiting example. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , each of the plurality of ports  26  formed in the valve body  18  can include at least one port aperture  36  to provide fluid communication therethrough. As described above, the control valve  10  includes a valve element (not shown) slidably received within the valve body  18 . In operation, a position of the valve element (not shown) can provide or inhibit fluid communication from a fluid reservoir through one or more of the plurality of ports  26 , via the port apertures  36 , and to a tank depending on a desired flow path for a given application. In an attempt to prevent contaminants (e.g., particulates) from entering the control valve  10  as fluid flows through the plurality of ports  26 , the filters  28  can be arranged around the plurality of ports  26 . 
     The illustrated filters  28  can be fabricated from a strip of material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.) and can include a mesh, or screen, that can catch contaminants and prevent them from entering the control valve  10 . Openings defined by the mesh in the filter  28  can be sized such that harmful contaminants are caught by the mesh, and such that the filter  28  does not induce a large pressure drop for fluid flowing through the plurality of ports  26 . The illustrated filters  28  of  FIGS. 1-3  each include a filter retention feature  38  in the form of a weld. The use of the term “filter retention feature” described herein is meant to describe the feature that maintains the filters  28  wrapped around their respective port  26 . That is, during assembly, the filers  28  are generally provided in an “unlocked” state such that the filters  28  can be formed around or received within the ports  26 . Once the filters  28  are formed around the ports  26 , the filters  28  can be provided with a filter retention feature, such as the welds shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , to ensure the filters  28  remain secured around the ports  26 . 
     In another non-limiting example, the filter retention feature  38  can be in the form of a clasp as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . With specific reference to  FIG. 4 , in this non-limiting example, the filter  28  can include an aperture  40  arranged on a first end  42  of the filter  28  and the clasp  44  arranged on a second opposing end  45  of the filter  28 . The clasp  44  can include opposing clasp arms  46  that are foldable between an unlocked position where the clasp arms  46  are arranged generally normal to a front surface  48  of the filter  28 , and a locked position where the clasp arms  46  are folded to be arranged generally parallel to the front surface  48 . Turning to  FIG. 5 , in assembly, the filter  28  can be formed around the respective port  26  such that each of the clasp arms  46  extend through the aperture  40  while the clasp arms  46  are in the unlocked position. The clasp arms  46  can then be folded down into the locked position such that the clasp arms  46  extend over the aperture  40  thereby securing the filter  28  around the respective port  26 . 
     In still another non-limiting example, the filter  28  can be in the form of a molded filter as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . With specific reference to  FIG. 6 , in this non-limiting example, the filter  28  can include a filter body  50  defining a plurality of cutouts  52  arranged circumferentially around the filter body  50 . The filter body  50  can be formed from a unitary piece of material, for example, via a molding process. Each of the cutouts  52  in the filter body  50  can include a mesh, or screen, to facilitate the filtering of contaminants. In this non-limiting example, the filter retention feature  38  can be in the form of a clasp  54  arranged at opposing ends of the filter body  50 . The clasp  54  can include a first clasp member  56  that protrudes outwardly from a first end of the filter body  50  and a second clasp member  58  that defines a recess in a second opposing end of the filter body  50 . The second clasp member  58  can be dimensioned to interlock with the first clasp member  56 , when the first clasp member  56  is forced into the second clasp member  58 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     It should be appreciated that the various forms of the filter  28  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-7  are presented by way of illustration to demonstrate that the systems and methods described herein for orienting a filter to control stresses and forces on the filter retention feature may be applied to various forms of filters on a control valve. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , as described above, the filters  28  can each include the filter key  34  configured to be received within a respective body key way  30  of the valve body  18 . The illustrated filter keys  34  can each define a tab that extends outwardly from a first longitudinal edge  60  of the respective filter  28 . When assembled, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the filter keys  34  can extend into a respective one of the body key ways  30 . With the filter keys  34  received within their respective body key ways  30 , the generally concave shape of the body key ways  30  can prevent rotation of the filters  28  with respect to the valve body  18 . That is, if during operation rotational forces are exerted on the filters  28 , the filter keys  34  can contact a concave surface  62  of the respective body key way  30  thereby preventing rotation of the filters  28  and constraining a rotational relationship between the filters  28  and the valve body  18 . By constraining a rotational relationship between the filters  28  and the valve body  18 , naturally a rotational position of the filter retention features  38  can also be constrained. It should be appreciated that the illustrated body key ways  30  and corresponding filter keys  34  of the filters  28  are but one non-limiting example of a mechanism to constraint a rotational relationship between the filters  28  and the valve body  18 . In other non-limiting examples, a mechanism to rotationally constrain the filters  28  with respect to the valve body  18  may be in the form of a press fit, a stake and crimp, a keyway in the filters  28  and an key in the valve body  18 , a weld, or another form of adhesive. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates one non-limiting example of rotational relationships between the mounting feature  16 , the body key ways  30  of the valve body  18 , and the filter retention features  38  of the filters  28 . As describe above, the body key ways  30  enable the rotational position of the filters  28  to be fixed with respect to the valve body  18 . From this fixed position, a rotational relationship between the body key ways  30  and the filter retention features  38  can be known. Then, during assembly, the fixed, known position of the filter retention features  38  can be used when the mounting feature  16  is coupled to the valve body  18 . That is, the mounting feature  16  can be coupled to the valve body  18  such that, when the control valve  10  is installed in an application, a desired rotational relationship exists between the filter retention features  38  and one or more application passageways, as will be described below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the mounting feature  16  can define a central axis M, which extends longitudinally along the mounting feature  16 , that can intersect a center point CV of the valve body  18 . A key way angle θ K  can be defined between the central axis M and the body key ways  30 . Additionally, a retention feature angle θ R  can be defined between the central axis M and the filter retention features  38 . Once the filters  28  are installed on a respective one of the ports  26 , a retention key angle θ RK  can be defined between the filter retention features  38  and the body key ways  30 . It should be appreciated that the value for θ R , θ R , and/or θ RR  may be different for each port  26  and corresponding filter  28  on the valve body  18 . That is, in other non-limiting examples, the body key ways  30  may be rotationally offset with respect to one another, as opposed to rotationally aligned as shown in  FIG. 8 , to accommodate for various rotational orientations of application passageways. 
     In one non-limiting example, the filters  28  can be installed on each of the respective ports  26  such that the filter retention features  38  can be opposite the body key ways  30  (i.e., the retention key angle θ RR  can be approximately 180 degrees), as shown in  FIG. 10 . Also, in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 10 , the mounting feature  16  can be coupled to the valve body  18  such that the central axis M of the mounting feature  16  generally aligns with the body key ways  30  and the filter retention features  38  (i.e., the key way angle θ K  and the retention feature angle θ R  can be approximately zero degrees). Clearly, manufacturing tolerances can affect the rotational relationships between the mounting feature  16 , the body key ways  30 , and the filter retention features  38 . Alternatively or additionally, a size, shape, or arrangement of the mounting feature  16  with respect to the valve body  18  may affect the rotational relationships between the mounting feature  16 , the body key ways  30 , and the filter retention features  38 . In some non-limiting examples, the retention key angle θ RR  can be between approximately 45 degrees and 315 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the retention key angle θ RR  can be between approximately 90 degrees and 270 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the key way angle θ K  can be approximately plus or minus 10 degrees, the retention feature angle θ R  can be approximately plus or minus 20 degrees, and the retention key angle θ RR  can be between approximately 150 degrees and 210 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the key way angle θ K  can be approximately plus or minus 5 degrees, the retention feature angle θ R  can be approximately plus or minus 10 degrees, and the retention key angle θ RR  can be between approximately 165 degrees and 195 degrees. 
     The rotational relationships, described above, can define a rotational relationship between the filter retention features  38  and one or more application passageways, when the control valve  10  is installed, to control forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention features  38  during operation.  FIG. 11  shows one non-limiting example of the control valve  10  installed in an application structure  64 . The application structure  64  includes an application surface  66  and an application cavity  68  that defines a recess in the application surface  66 . The valve body  18  can be installed into the application cavity  68  such that the mounting feature  16  engages an application surface  66 . A plurality of application passageways  70  can be arranged within the application structure  64  and in fluid communication with the application cavity  68 . The illustrated plurality of application passageways  70  includes three passageways, one for each of the ports  26 . In other non-limiting examples, the application structure  64  may include more or less than three application passageways  70 , as required by the specific application. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , when the control valve  10  is installed in the application structure  64 , each of the ports  26  can be in fluid communication with one of the plurality of application passageways  70 . In operation, a fluid can be provided in one or more of the application passageways  70  from a supply, or reservoir. The control valve  10  can selectively provide fluid communication between one or more of the ports  26  and one or more of the application passageways  70  to enable fluid flow therethrough (e.g., via selective actuation of the valve element (not shown)). During operation, fluid flow between the ports  26  and the application passageways  70  can induce stresses by pressure pulsations or flow forces on the filters  28 . A rotational relationship between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70  can control the magnitude of forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention features  38 . The systems and methods disclosed herein enable the rotational relationship between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70  to be controlled in an attempt to lower the forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention features  38 . 
     The design and manufacture of the valve body  18  enables a rotational position of the filter retention features  38  to be known. Typically, the rotational orientation of the application passageways  70  within the application structure  64  can be known in relation to an application mounting feature  72 . In the illustrated non-limiting example, the application mounting feature  72  can be in the form of an aperture configured to receive a fastening element received within the mounting aperture  24  of the mounting feature  16 . Thus, proper orientation of the mounting feature  16  with respect to the valve body  18 , when the housing  14  is coupled to the valve body  18 , can thereby provide a desired rotational relationship between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70 , when the control valve  10  in installed into the application structure  64 . 
       FIG. 12  shows one non-limiting example of a rotational relationship between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70 . In the illustrated non-limiting example, each of the application passageways  70  are offset circumferentially from one another. In other non-limiting examples, one or more of the application passageways  70  may be generally aligned circumferentially. As shown in  FIG. 12 , a retention passageway angle θ RP  can be defined between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70 . In some non-limiting examples, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 315 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 300 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be between approximately 90 degrees and approximately 270 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be between approximately 120 degrees and approximately 240 degrees. In some non-limiting examples, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be between approximately 150 degrees and approximately 210 degrees. 
     The ranges of the retention passageway angle θ RP , described above, can ensure that the filter retention features  38  are arranged rotationally away from the application passageways  70 . That is, the locations where the application passageways  70  intersect the ports  26  can be areas with the highest pressure pulsations and/or flow forces. In an attempt to control the forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention features  38 , which maintain the filters  28  secured around the ports  26 , the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be controlled to ensure that the filter retention features  38  are arranged rotationally away from the application passageways  70 . 
     To ensure that the desired retention passageway angle θ RP  can be achieved, the control valve  10  can be manufactured using the processes outlined in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 13 . The manufacturing process outlined in  FIG. 13  can control a rotational position of the filter retention features  38  such that, when the control valve  10  is installed, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be within a desired range (e.g., between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 315 degrees). The manufacturing process may utilize a camera vision system along with robotic pick and placement to automate the process. It should be appreciated that the order of the steps outlined in  FIG. 13  is not meant to be limiting in any way. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the manufacturing process can begin by acquiring an image (e.g., using a camera vision system) of the valve body  18  at step  100 . After the image of the valve body  18  is acquired at step  100 , the acquired image can be analyzed to determine a location of the body key ways  30  at step  102 . Once the body key ways  30  are located at step  102 , the valve body  18  can be rotated to a first known orientation where the rotational orientation of the body key ways  30  are known at step  104 . With the location of the body key ways  30  known and the valve body  18  rotated to the first known orientation, the filters  28  can be installed on the ports  26  at step  106 . In one non-limiting example, the filter  28  can be installed by orienting the filter key  34  in a respective one of the body key ways  30 . Then, the filter  28  can be wrapped around the respective port  26  and the filter retention feature  38  can be applied at step  108  (e.g., a weld can be applied to the filter  28  in a desired location for the filter retention feature  38 ), thereby forming a valve body  18  subassembly. The filter retention feature  38  can be applied at a desired retention key angle θ RK  (e.g., between approximately 45 degrees and 315 degrees). With the filter keys  34  arranged within the body key ways  30 , the filters  28  can be inhibited from displacing rotationally with respect to the valve body  18  and, thus, the rotational orientation of the filter retention features  38  with respect to the body key ways  30  (i.e., the retention key angle θ RK ) can be known, or controlled. 
     Once the filter retention features  38  are applied at step  108 , the valve body  18  subassembly including the installed filters  28  can be coupled to the housing  14  and the mounting feature  16 . The illustrated control valve  10  includes a mounting feature  16  that is separate from the housing  14 ; however, in other non-limiting examples, the mounting feature  16  may be formed integrally with the housing  14 . Alternatively or additionally, the mounting feature  16  may be coupled to the housing  14  prior to installation onto the valve body  18 . To ensure that a desired rotational orientation can be achieved between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70  (i.e., the retention passage way angle θ RP ), first, an image can be acquired of the valve body  18  subassembly at step  110 . 
     With the image of the valve body  18  subassembly acquired at step  110 , the location of the body key ways  30  can be determined, or located, at step  112 . Once the location of the body key ways  30  are determined at step  112 , the valve body  18  subassembly can be rotated to a second known orientation with respect to the mounting feature  16  at step  114 . The mounting feature  16  can be in a known, or fixed, position such its rotational orientation is known prior to rotationally arranging the valve body  18  subassembly in the second known orientation at step  114 . Rotationally arranging the valve body  18  subassembly in the second known orientation with respect to the mounting feature  16 , prior to coupling, can enable a desired rotational orientation to exist between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70 , when the control valve  10  is installed in the application structure  64 . For example, the retention passageway angle θ RP  defined between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70  can be between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 315 degrees. Once the valve body  18  subassembly has been oriented accordingly at step  114 , the mounting feature  16  can be coupled to the valve body  18  subassembly, for example, by crimping the housing  14  to the valve body  18 , at step  116 . 
     It should be appreciated that, in other non-limiting examples, the valve body  18  subassembly may be arranged in a known, or fixed position, and the mounting feature  16  may be rotated to the second known orientation with respect to the valve body  18  subassembly, prior to coupling. 
     The above-described manufacturing process can ensure that when the control valve  10  is manufactured, that the filters  28  are prevented from rotating with respect to the valve body  18 , and that the filter retention features  38  are applied in a known rotational orientation. This known rotational orientation of the filter retention features  38  can be used to rotationally orient the filter retention features  38  with respect to the mounting feature  16  such that that a desired rotational relationship exists between the filter retention features  38  and the application passageways  70 , when the control valve  10  is installed. That is, the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be controlled to ensure that the filter retention features  38  are arranged rotationally away from the application passageways  70  (e.g., the retention passageway angle θ RP  can be between approximately 45 degrees and approximately 315 degrees) in an attempt to control the forces and stresses exerted on the filter retention features  38  and prevent failure of the filters  28 . 
     Examples 
     The following examples set forth, in detail, ways in which the systems and methods disclosed herein may be used or implemented, and will enable one of skill in the art to more readily understand the principle thereof. The following examples are presented by way of illustration and are not meant to be limiting in any way. 
     Table 1 below illustrates filter life test results for various rotational arrangements of the filter retention feature with respect to an application passageway (i.e., the retention passage way angle θ RP ). As shown in Table 1, over half of the filter tested with the filter retention feature arranged over the passageway (i.e., θ RP =0 degrees) failed during testing, with some filters failing as early as 82,800 cycles. When the filter retention feature was oriented away from the passageway (i.e., θ RP  0 degrees), some filters lasted over 10,000,000 cycles with no failures. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Filter Test Data 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Retention 
                 Filter 
               
               
                 Mesh Size 
                 Temperature 
                 Flow 
                 Pressure 
                 No. of 
                   
                 passageway 
                 Pass/ 
               
               
                 [microns] 
                 [C.] 
                 [lpm] 
                 [bar] 
                 cycles 
                 Hours 
                 angle θ RP  [°] 
                 Fail 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 180 
                 35 
                 N/A 
                 6 
                 82800 
                 4.6 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 6 
                 109800 
                 6.1 
                 0 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 6 
                 109800 
                 6.1 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 145800 
                 8.1 
                 0 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 4.5 
                 97200 
                 5.4 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.7 
                 20.46 
                 6.5 
                 70200 
                 3.9 
                 0 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.7 
                 20.46 
                 6.5 
                 70200 
                 3.9 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 350 
                 33.8 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 252000 
                 14 
                 0 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 350 
                 33.8 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 252000 
                 14 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 350 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 5 
                 187200 
                 10.4 
                 0 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 350 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 5 
                 187200 
                 10.4 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 367200 
                 20.4 
                 0 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 &lt;367200 
                 20.4 
                 0 
                 Fail 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.53 
                 5.5 
                 865800 
                 48.1 
                 45 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.53 
                 5.5 
                 865800 
                 48.1 
                 45 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 3.5 
                 876600 
                 48.7 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 3.5 
                 876600 
                 48.7 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.8 
                 20.52 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.8 
                 20.52 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 38.4 
                 20.52 
                 3.25 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 38.4 
                 20.52 
                 3.25 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.49 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.49 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.5 
                 4 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.5 
                 4 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.6 
                 20.48 
                 4.5 
                 10009800 
                 556.1 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.6 
                 20.48 
                 4.5 
                 10009800 
                 556.1 
                 90 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 180 
                 34.1 
                 N/A 
                 6 
                 10161000 
                 564.5 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 367200 
                 20.4 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 367200 
                 20.4 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 6 
                 109800 
                 6.1 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 6 
                 109800 
                 6.1 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 145800 
                 8.1 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 36.6 
                 20.49 
                 4.5 
                 97200 
                 5.4 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.7 
                 20.46 
                 6.5 
                 70200 
                 3.9 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.46 
                 6.5 
                 70200 
                 3.9 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 350 
                 33.8 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 252000 
                 14 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 350 
                 33.8 
                 20.49 
                 5 
                 252000 
                 14 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 350 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 5 
                 187200 
                 10.4 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 350 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 5 
                 187200 
                 10.4 
                 180 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.53 
                 5.5 
                 865800 
                 48.1 
                 225 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.53 
                 5.5 
                 865800 
                 48.1 
                 225 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 3.5 
                 876600 
                 48.7 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35 
                 20.48 
                 3.5 
                 876600 
                 48.7 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.8 
                 20.52 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.8 
                 20.52 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 38.4 
                 20.52 
                 3.25 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 38.4 
                 20.52 
                 3.25 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.49 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.49 
                 3.5 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.5 
                 4 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 35.3 
                 20.5 
                 4 
                 864000 
                 48 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.6 
                 20.48 
                 4.5 
                 10009800 
                 556.1 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                 250 
                 34.6 
                 20.48 
                 4.5 
                 10009800 
                 556.1 
                 270 
                 Pass 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein. 
     Thus, while the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. 
     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.