Electromagnetic Valve with Backflow Throttling Against Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic valves are susceptible to contamination by foreign matter such as moisture, which affects their operation and controllability.

Innovation Solution

A valve device incorporating a backflow throttle valve positioned in the second valve port, which controls gas flow to reduce the ingress of foreign matter into the electromagnetic valve by ensuring a sufficient flow rate in one direction while minimizing the flow rate in the opposite direction, utilizing a springless design and pressure differential to manage gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gas flows freely through the valve passage in both directions, then the electromagnetic valve can operate bidirectionally, but foreign matter can easily enter the electromagnetic valve from the second valve chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from foreign matterVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A backflow throttle valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the second valve chamber and the valve passage. This throttle valve selectively restricts flow in the reverse direction (from second valve chamber to valve passage) while allowing forward flow (from valve passage to second valve chamber) to proceed unimpeded. The throttle valve acts as a mediator that protects the electromagnetic valve from foreign matter ingress without requiring complete sealing or complex bidirectional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a backflow throttle valve is added to prevent foreign matter ingress, then protection against contamination is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination resistanceVSAvoidnumber of valve components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backflow throttle valve is designed to operate automatically based on flow direction without requiring external control signals or additional actuation mechanisms. When gas flows from the valve passage to the second valve chamber, the throttle valve opens to allow free flow. When reverse flow occurs, the pressure differential automatically closes the throttle valve to prevent foreign matter from reaching the electromagnetic valve. This self-regulating mechanism provides protection without adding complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the second valve body is designed to respond to pressure differences, then foreign matter ingress is reduced, but the valve operation becomes more sensitive to pressure fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign matter barrierVSAvoidvalve stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backflow throttle valve is designed with a specific pressure differential threshold that triggers closure. Normal operational pressure fluctuations are insufficient to close the valve, maintaining stable forward flow. However, when reverse pressure exceeds the threshold (indicating potential foreign matter ingress), the valve closes automatically. By carefully selecting the pressure threshold and valve geometry, the system achieves protection against foreign matter while filtering out normal operational variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively impedes the ingress of foreign matter into the electromagnetic valve, reducing contamination and maintaining operational efficiency while minimizing chatter and gas leakage.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic valve including a first valve body housed in the first valve chamber and configured to open and close the first valve port, and a solenoid that moves the first valve body by an electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The second valve body receives a gas pressure of the valve passage and a gas pressure of the second valve chamber in opposite directions and is configured to open and close the second valve port according to a pressure difference between the gas pressure of the valve passage and the gas pressure of the second valve chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4692616A1Valve device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP4692616A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692616A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692616A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This valve device includes: a housing including a first valve chamber including a first valve port, a second valve chamber including a second valve port, a valve passage connecting the first valve port and the second valve port, and a valve seat around the second valve port; an electromagnetic valve including a first valve body housed in the first valve chamber and configured to open and close the first valve port, and a solenoid that moves the first valve body by an electromagnetic force; and a backflow throttle valve including a second valve body housed in the second valve chamber and configured to be seated on and unseated from the valve seat. When pushed by gas in the valve passage, the second valve body of the backflow throttle valve is unseated from the valve seat, and when pushed by gas in the second valve chamber, the second valve body of the backflow throttle valve is seated on the valve seat to throttle gas flow from the second valve chamber to the valve passage.