Electromagnetic Valve Pressure Sensing for Deterioration Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in determining the deterioration degree due to durability and aging, requiring separate inspection means that increase costs and space, and making it difficult to assess valve failures effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a determination section that uses pressure sensors to assess the operational state of electromagnetic valves by varying signal values and measuring corresponding pressures, allowing for the calculation of deterioration degree and remaining life without the need for additional inspection means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inspection driving means are provided to determine valve operating state, then valve failure detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection driving function with the existing valve driving means. The control unit utilizes the same driving circuitry to perform both normal valve operation and inspection operations by controlling the driving signal to vary in multiple stages, thereby eliminating the need for separate inspection driving means while maintaining valve failure detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve driving means is designed to serve multiple functions: it can drive the valve during normal operation and also serve as inspection driving means by varying the driving signal in multiple stages. This multi-functionality allows the system to detect valve failures without requiring additional dedicated inspection equipment
2Reliability
If separate inspection driving means are provided, then valve operating state can be determined, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection function is merged into the existing control unit and valve driving means, eliminating the need for separate inspection equipment and the space it would occupy. The control unit performs both normal control and inspection functions by varying the driving signal in multiple stages
3Productivity
If valve deterioration is not monitored, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and maintenance efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the valve's response to varying driving signals and using this information to determine valve operating state and deterioration degree. The control unit analyzes the valve's behavior at different signal stages to assess its health, enabling proactive maintenance without complex external monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system performs self-diagnosis through the control unit, which monitors its own operating characteristics by varying the driving signal and observing the valve response. This self-service capability allows the system to detect its own deterioration without requiring external inspection equipment
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
Enables easy determination of valve deterioration and potential failures, reducing downtime and costs by integrating the assessment directly into the apparatus, eliminating the need for separate inspection equipment and providing accurate monitoring of valve health.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that detects pressure in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a valve that switches between opening and blocking of a fluid flow in the flow channel section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A valve device includes a flow channel section where fluid flows, a reserving section that reserves fluid from the flow channel section, a valve that switches between opening and blocking of the fluid flow in the flow channel section based on an operation signal, and a determination section that determines a deterioration degree of the valve on a basis of an operation of the valve based on the operation signal and of pressure in the reserving section.