Solenoid Valve Layout for Thin Flat-Space Flow Path Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices with multiple blocks and electromagnetic valves aligned in an up-down direction tend to be bulky, making them unsuitable for flat spaces.
Innovation Solution
A valve device design that includes a flow path member, solenoid valves, and a support member stacked in an up-down direction, with the flow path shifted from the solenoid valves' uppermost portions in a perpendicular direction, using a substrate to support the valves and a flow path member to cover and fix them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple blocks and electromagnetic valves are aligned in an up-down direction, then the valve device can be assembled with simple structure, but the thickness in the up-down direction becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the flow path from being aligned vertically with the solenoid valves to being shifted horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. This dimensional change allows the flow path to be located at the lower side of the solenoid valves rather than above them, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the valve device while maintaining functional connectivity between components
2Ease of manufacture
If the flow path is aligned with the uppermost portions of solenoid valves, then connection is simplified, but the device cannot be disposed in flat spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is repositioned from a vertical alignment with the uppermost portions of the solenoid valves to a horizontal offset position at the lower side of the valves. This dimensional reconfiguration enables the valve device to fit into flat spaces while maintaining straightforward connections through the shifted flow path geometry
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 design reduces the overall thickness, allowing the valve device to be more compact and suitable for flat spaces while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solenoid valves configured to open and close the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes: a flow path member having a flow path; a plurality of solenoid valves configured to open and close the flow path; and a support member configured to support the plurality of solenoid valves from below in an up-down direction and be stacked with the flow path member in the up-down direction. When a part located at an uppermost position in the up-down direction of each of the solenoid valves is defined as an uppermost portion, the flow path is located to be shifted from the uppermost portions of the plurality of solenoid valves in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.