Asymmetric Electrode Layout for Uniform Electromagnetic Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying devices face issues with uneven drying of media due to uneven distribution of electromagnetic waves, leading to inconsistent drying degrees.
Innovation Solution
The drying device employs a configuration with a first electrode surrounded by a second electrode, featuring a coil conductor and a conductor connecting a transmission line, where the first electrode extends in a direction intersecting the first electrode, and the second electrode has an opening section with specific length ratios, ensuring balanced electromagnetic wave distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional drying device generates electromagnetic waves toward a medium using parallel electrodes, then the medium can be dried, but the drying degree becomes uneven across the medium surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the second electrode with an opening section that has different distances to different portions of the first electrode. Specifically, the distance from the first electrode to the short side of the opening section is made longer than the distance to the long side, creating an asymmetric electromagnetic field distribution that compensates for natural field attenuation and achieves uniform drying across the medium surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making different portions of the second electrode have different properties through the asymmetric opening section configuration. This allows the electromagnetic wave generation characteristics to vary locally across the electrode surface, with each region contributing differently to achieve overall uniform drying performance.
2Productivity
If the distance between electrodes is reduced to increase electromagnetic wave intensity, then drying efficiency improves, but the unevenness in drying degree increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric opening section configuration allows the system to operate at reduced electrode distances for improved efficiency while compensating for field non-uniformity. The varied distances from the first electrode to different portions of the opening section create localized field adjustments that maintain uniformity even at closer spacing.
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
This configuration equalizes the drying degree across the medium, suppressing unevenness and maintaining efficient drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
a drying section that dries a medium, onto which liquid was ejected, by generating an electromagnetic wave in response to application of a high-frequency voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first conductor that includes a coil and that electrically connects a transmission line, which is configured to transmit a high-frequency voltage, and the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A drying device includes a drying section that dries a medium onto which liquid was ejected by generating an electromagnetic wave in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. The drying section includes a first electrode, a second electrode arranged so as to surround the first electrode in plan view from a first direction toward a medium, a first conductor that includes a coil and that electrically connects a transmission line, which is configured to transmit a high-frequency voltage, and the first electrode, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line and the second electrode. The first electrode extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The second electrode includes an opening section that surrounds the first electrode, and the opening section has a long side in the second direction and a short side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. A first distance between the first electrode and the short side of the opening section in the second direction is longer than a second distance between the first electrode and the long side of the opening section in the third direction.