Negative Pressure Regulation Valve With Offset Outflow Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high print quality due to residue of air and solid matter in the outflow-side pressure chamber, which affects the ink ejection state.

Innovation Solution

A negative pressure regulation valve with a unique configuration that includes an inflow-side and outflow-side pressure chamber, a communication hole, and a movable valve member, where the outflow holes are positioned to prevent direct alignment, promoting a rotating flow that efficiently discharges air and solid matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single outflow hole is used in the outflow-side pressure chamber, then the structure is simple, but air and solid matter residue efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidink ejection state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outflow-side pressure chamber is segmented into multiple outflow holes (first outflow hole and second outflow hole) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows different substances (air and solid matter) to be discharged through different holes, improving the efficiency of residue removal while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different outflow holes are positioned at specific locations within the outflow-side pressure chamber to create local quality variations. The first outflow hole is positioned to discharge air efficiently, while the second outflow hole is positioned to discharge solid matter, ensuring each hole performs its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If outflow holes are aligned in a straight line, then the structure is simple, but air and solid matter residue effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole arrangementVSAvoidimpurity discharge efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outflow holes are arranged asymmetrically within the outflow-side pressure chamber rather than in a straight line. This asymmetric arrangement creates different flow paths for air and solid matter, preventing residue accumulation and improving discharge efficiency while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If the valve member remains stationary, then the structure is simple, but pressure regulation cannot adapt to changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structureVSAvoidpressure regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is designed to move dynamically in response to pressure changes within the pressure chamber. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the valve member opens to release pressure; when pressure is normal, the valve member closes to maintain pressure. This dynamic behavior enables adaptive pressure regulation without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve member operates autonomously based on pressure conditions within the system. It automatically opens or closes according to the pressure state, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or power sources, thus achieving simple yet effective pressure regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 suppresses the residue of air and solid matter, ensuring consistent ink ejection and improved print quality by efficiently removing impurities from the outflow-side pressure chamber.

Implementation Method 1

The valve member is inserted in the communication hole and movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber, between a closing position for closing the communication hole and an opening position for opening the communication hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure change: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a first line extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the first outflow hole and a second line extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the second outflow hole do not coincide with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotating flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP4624169A1Negative pressure regulation valve and inkjet recording apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4624169A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4624169A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4624169A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A negative pressure regulation valve (31) includes an inflow-side pressure chamber (50) including a liquid inflow hole (50a), an outflow-side pressure chamber (51) including a liquid outflow hole (51a, 51b), a communication hole (54), and a valve member (52) inserted in the communication hole (54) and movable, in accordance with change of pressure inside the outflow-side pressure chamber (51), to a closing position for closing the communication hole (54) and an opening position for opening the communication hole (54). The outflow-side pressure chamber (51) includes, as the liquid outflow hole (51a, 51b), a first outflow hole (51a) formed below the communication hole (54) and a second outflow hole (51b) formed above the communication hole (54). As seen from a communication direction of the communication hole (54), a first line (L1) extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the first outflow hole (51a) and a second line (L2) extending in an outflow direction of liquid from the second outflow hole (51b) do not coincide with each other.