Cleaning Roller Drying Mechanism for Transport Belt Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices face issues with the deterioration of cleaning rollers due to prolonged exposure to cleaning liquid, which can lead to mold growth and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spray unit to dry the cleaning roller and absorbent member after use, combined with a squeeze mechanism to manage the amount of cleaning liquid, prevents excessive moisture and potential deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning roller remains in contact with cleaning liquid for cleaning the transport belt, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the cleaning roller deteriorates due to prolonged exposure to cleaning liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning liquid from the cleaning roller after the cleaning operation is complete. The cleaning roller is separated from the cleaning liquid reservoir, and excess cleaning liquid is removed from the absorbent member, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while preventing prolonged exposure that causes deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary drying action to the cleaning roller after cleaning. A drying roller or air circulation system is activated immediately after cleaning to remove moisture from the absorbent member, preventing deterioration before it occurs while maintaining the cleaning function.
2Reliability
If the cleaning roller is continuously supplied with cleaning liquid to maintain cleaning performance, then the cleaning capability is improved, but the risk of mold growth and deterioration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between cleaning mode (supplying cleaning liquid to the absorbent member) and drying mode (removing cleaning liquid supply and activating drying mechanisms). This periodic switching maintains cleaning capability when needed while preventing continuous moisture exposure that leads to mold growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the moisture parameter of the cleaning roller dynamically. During cleaning, the absorbent member is saturated with cleaning liquid for effective cleaning. After cleaning, the system transitions to a dry state by removing excess liquid and activating drying, thereby changing the moisture parameter to prevent mold growth while maintaining cleaning capability when required.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the cleaning roller is dried immediately after use to prevent deterioration, then the lifespan is extended, but additional drying mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying function with existing components in the cleaning mechanism. The drying roller is integrated into the same assembly as the cleaning roller, sharing the same drive mechanism and housing. This combination extends the service lifespan by providing drying functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service drying where the cleaning roller's rotation during the cleaning operation itself generates centrifugal force to甩 off excess cleaning liquid. Additionally, the structure of the absorbent member allows passive evaporation and drainage, reducing the need for active drying mechanisms and thereby extending lifespan without significantly increasing complexity.
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 dries the cleaning roller, preventing deterioration and maintaining its functionality, thereby ensuring consistent performance and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning roller including an absorbent member configured to absorb cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 2
a spray unit configured to spray gas to the support surface cleaned by the cleaning roller, wherein the spray unit is configured to spray the gas to the cleaning roller
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device includes a transport belt having a support surface configured to support a medium, and configured to transport the medium supported by the support surface, a cleaning roller including an absorbent member configured to absorb cleaning liquid, and configured to clean the support surface as the absorbent member comes into contact with the support surface, a supply unit configured to supply the cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller, and a spray unit configured to spray gas to the support surface cleaned by the cleaning roller. The spray unit is configured to spray the gas to the cleaning roller.