Flexible-Membrane Valve Mechanism for Stable Opening Pressure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve mechanisms, such as those with O-rings, suffer from increased frictional resistance and pressure variations due to the squashing of the seal member, leading to inconsistent valve operation.

Innovation Solution

A valve mechanism with flexible membranes and biasing sections that adjust the volume of chambers in response to pressure fluctuations, using shaft sections to move and open/close communication ports, minimizing friction and maintaining consistent pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the O-ring seal member is squashed to improve sealing, then the degree of sealing improves and leakage is reduced, but the frictional resistance increases causing pressure variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidfrictional resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the O-ring seal member with flexible membrane members (first and second flexible membranes) that seal the communication port. These thin film structures provide effective sealing without the high frictional resistance associated with squashed O-rings, as they can conform to the port surfaces through their flexibility rather than compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the O-ring seal member from the valve mechanism, eliminating the source of high frictional resistance. The sealing function is transferred to the flexible membrane members, which perform sealing through a different mechanism that does not involve significant friction during valve operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the O-ring is squashed more to reduce leakage, then sealing improves, but the pressures at which the valve opens and closes vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidpressure consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane members provide sealing through their ability to conform to the communication port surfaces, eliminating the need for high compression forces. This results in consistent valve operation pressures because the membranes can seal effectively with minimal force, allowing the valve to open and close at stable, predictable pressure points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the sealing mechanism from compression-based (O-ring) to flexibility-based (membranes). This parameter change in the sealing approach fundamentally alters the force requirements, leading to more consistent pressure characteristics during valve operation while maintaining reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a rigid valve structure is used to maintain stability, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to respond to pressure fluctuations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresponse to pressure changes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates flexible membrane members that can dynamically respond to pressure fluctuations by deforming and adjusting their position. This flexibility allows the valve to adapt to changing pressure conditions while the overall valve body maintains structural strength, achieving both rigidity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic elements (flexible membranes) into the valve structure that can move and deform in response to pressure changes. This dynamic capability allows the valve to automatically adjust to fluctuating pressure conditions, improving responsiveness while the fixed valve body provides structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 stabilizes the valve operation by reducing pressure variations and enhancing sealing properties, allowing precise pressure control and efficient fluid flow.

Implementation Method 1

a first flexible membrane 26 and a second flexible membrane 27 that displace according to a difference in pressures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a biasing section configured to bias the first flexible membrane 26 in a direction in which volume of the downstream chamber decreases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250303732A1Valve mechanism, liquid fluid device, and liquid ejection device

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

It includes a first upstream chamber, a first downstream chamber that includes a first flexible membrane and that is in communication with the first upstream chamber via a first communication port downstream from the first upstream chamber, a second flexible membrane that partitions the first upstream chamber and the first downstream chamber from each other, a first open and close section configured to open and close the first communication port, a first biasing section that biases the first flexible membrane, wherein the first open and close section includes a first shaft section that is provided across the first upstream chamber and the first downstream chamber and that is configured to move following displacement of the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane and a first valve section that opens and closes the first communication port.