Importance

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Abstract

A piezoelectric fluid control valve (10) and fluid control method using a polymorph (48) with a characteristic that as a potential difference is applied thereto, the polymorph is deflected. The valve includes a supply port (14) for introducing fluid and a chamber (16) defined within the valve body. An outlet port (18) is in fluid communication with the chamber and a device controlled thereby, such as an anti-lock brake system. A relief port (78) returns fluid to a source thereof. Upper and lower metering elements (100, 116) are supported within the chamber. A cantilevered spring valve (128, 130) is positionable within metering orifices defined within the metering elements (100, 110). The polymorph is positioned between and in operative communication therewith. An electrical circuit (56) is connected to the polymorph, the circuit providing the potential difference thereto, which is regulated in accordance with an input signal delivered to the circuit. An input signal generator (58) operates in response to a sensed condition such as brake pressure and wheel deceleration, the fluid flow in the outlet port being continuously modulated in response to the sensed condition.

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First Claim