Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring and a tubular magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field activates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is formed from a ferromagnetic material and extends through the tubular magnetostrictive actuator assembly without interfering with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member. A passive hydraulic link assembly is preferably employed to compensate for component wear, temperature effects and manufacturing variations within design tolerances.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve member disposed within the hollow interior, a biasing mechanism, an actuator assembly and a passive hydraulic link assembly. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an open position for governing the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The biasing mechanism, preferably a spring, biases the valve member in the closed position. The actuator assembly generates an opening force that acts against the valve spring to open the valve. The hydraulic link assembly is interposed between the valve member and the valve spring and the actuator assembly. The hydraulic link assembly transmits respective closing and opening forces to the valve member. The hydraulic link preferably comprises a piston disposed within a cylinder that is filled with a hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring, and a magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field actuates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is comprises of a plurality of magnetostrictive actuator assembly is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and the portion of the needle comprising the needle tip, which contacts the valve seat, is formed from a different material that has higher through-hardness than that the non-ferromagnetic material. The portion of the needle formed from a non-ferromagnetic material prevents interference with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring, and a magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field actuates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is comprises of a plurality of portions. The portion of the needle that extends through the magnetostrictive actuator assembly is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and the portion of the needle comprising the needle tip, which contacts the valve seat, is formed from a different material that has higher through-hardness than that the non-ferromagnetic material. The portion of the needle formed from a non-ferromagnetic material prevents interference with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring and a tubular magnetostrictive actuator assembly disposed in an annular space around a portion of the valve needle. A magnetic field activates the magnetostrictive material to change its length to cause a corresponding movement of the valve needle that actuates the valve. The valve needle is formed from a ferromagnetic material and extends through the tubular magnetostrictive actuator assembly without interfering with the flux field that is directed through the magnetostrictive member. A passive hydraulic link assembly is preferably employed to compensate for component wear, temperature effects and manufacturing variations within design tolerances.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve member disposed within the hollow interior, a biasing mechanism, an actuator assembly and a hydraulic link assembly. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an open position for governing the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The biasing mechanism, preferably a spring, biases the valve member in the closed position. The actuator assembly generates an opening force that acts against the valve spring to open the valve. The hydraulic link assembly is interposed between the valve member and the valve spring and the actuator assembly. The hydraulic link assembly transmits respective closing and opening forces to the valve member. The hydraulic link preferably comprises a piston disposed within a cylinder that is filled with a hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A directly actuated injection valve comprises a hollow valve housing, a valve needle disposed within the hollow interior, a needle spring, an actuator assembly, and a hydraulic link assembly. The valve needle is movable between a closed position and an open position for governing the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The displacement of the valve needle from the closed position is defined as the lift. The a needle spring biases the valve needle in the closed position. The actuator assembly generates an opening force that acts against the needle spring to open the valve. The hydraulic link assembly is interposed between the valve needle and the needle spring and the actuator assembly. The hydraulic link assembly transmits respective closing and opening forces to the valve needle. The hydraulic link preferably comprises a piston disposed within a cylinder that is filled with a hydraulic fluid.