Drying Apparatus Pre-dries Recording Medium to Prevent Ink Boiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying apparatuses using infrared rays to dry recording media face issues such as ink boiling, surface cracks in coated paper, and unevenness in conveying belts due to rapid temperature changes, which are mitigated by reducing heater output and increasing conveyance distance, leading to increased size, cost, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A drying apparatus comprising a conveying member, a heating device, a drying chamber, and a path, where the drying chamber pre-dries the recording medium before it reaches the heating device, allowing for controlled temperature increase and reduced risk of rapid evaporation and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the recording medium is irradiated with infrared ray rapidly, then drying efficiency is improved, but ink boils and crust is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first drying means that operates at lower temperature to prevent harmful effects, and a second drying means that operates at higher temperature for efficient drying. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function without causing the harmful effects associated with rapid high-temperature drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The first drying means performs preliminary drying action before the second drying means operates. By pre-drying the recording medium at a lower temperature, the moisture content is reduced gradually, preventing ink boiling and crust formation when the higher temperature drying is subsequently applied.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the output of the heater is weakened to prevent rapid drying, then harmful effects are reduced, but drying efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two distinct heating zones with different temperature characteristics. The first drying means provides gentle heating to prevent harmful effects, while the second drying means provides intensive heating for efficient drying. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both safety and efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is changed between two distinct stages: a lower temperature stage for safe preliminary drying and a higher temperature stage for efficient final drying. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different drying requirements at different stages of the process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveying distance is increased to allow gradual drying, then harmful effects are prevented, but the size of the drying apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two drying means are merged into a single integrated drying apparatus that processes the recording medium in sequence. By combining the gentle drying function and the intensive drying function in one compact unit, the apparatus achieves effective drying without requiring excessive conveying distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is dynamically changed between two stages within a compact apparatus. The first drying means operates at lower temperature to prevent harmful effects, then the second drying means operates at higher temperature for efficient drying, eliminating the need for long conveying distances.
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 apparatus effectively dries the recording medium without causing crust formation, surface cracks, or conveying belt unevenness, while minimizing the size and cost of the apparatus and reducing power consumption by allowing for a more efficient use of heating resources.
Implementation Method 1
The drying apparatus generally includes a heater which emits infrared ray
Implementation Method 2
The drying chamber pre-dries the recording medium conveyed by the conveying member
Implementation Method 3
The conveying member supports and conveys the recording medium in a predetermined conveyance direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drying apparatus dries a recording medium on which an image is formed, while conveying the recording medium. The drying apparatus includes a conveying member, a heating device, and a drying chamber, and a path. The conveying member supports and conveys the recording medium in a predetermined conveyance direction. The heating device heats the recording medium conveyed by the conveying member under a high-temperature environment. The drying chamber is arranged on an upstream side of the heating device in the conveyance direction of the recording medium and pre-dries the recording medium conveyed by the conveying member. The path communicates the heating device with the drying chamber.