Variable stiffness flow control valve

摘要

A flow control valve is provided. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the flow control valve includes a valve element and a support element. The valve element is configured to deflect responsive to a change in pressure difference across the valve element. The support element cooperates with the valve element to present an effective flow-through area that changes as the valve element deflects. The amount of relative engagement between the valve element and the support element changes as the valve element deflects. External vibration causes the valve element to vibrate to reduce stiction or ice buildup.