Compact Drying Device With Multi-Directional Heating Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying devices for printers are inefficient in terms of size and drying performance, as they often require larger spaces due to the arrangement of heating rollers and drums, which can lead to increased costs and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed drying device incorporates a configuration with multiple heating rotators, including a first-heating rotator that contacts the sheet twice from different directions and at least three second-heating rotators, each contacting the sheet once, arranged in a conveyance path to optimize drying efficiency and reduce device size by utilizing an elliptic arc shape for the heating rollers and larger diameter drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional heating rollers and drums are arranged in a traditional configuration, then drying function is provided, but device size (height and width) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional linear arrangement of heating rollers into a three-dimensional configuration where heating rollers are positioned at different heights and depths. The first heating roller contacts the sheet from above, while second heating rollers contact from below at different vertical positions, creating a multi-level drying structure that reduces horizontal space requirements while maintaining effective drying contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges heating rollers in a nested configuration where smaller heating rollers are positioned within the space occupied by larger ones. The second heating rollers are arranged to contact the sheet from below while being positioned within the vertical envelope of the first heating roller, effectively nesting the drying functions to minimize overall device footprint.
2Productivity
If multiple heating rollers are arranged to contact the sheet from different directions, then drying performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drying function into separate heating rollers that contact the sheet at different locations and angles. The first heating roller handles contact from above, while second heating rollers handle contact from below, segmenting the drying process into distinct zones that can be independently controlled and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating rollers are designed to serve multiple functions: the first heating roller not only dries the sheet from above but also helps guide the sheet through the device, while the second heating rollers provide both drying contact and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 reduces the height and width of the drying device, enhances drying performance, and allows for a more compact design while maintaining effective drying capabilities, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the printer system.
Implementation Method 1
a drying device including a heater to promote drying of the liquid applied onto the printing object
Implementation Method 2
a drying device that includes a plurality of heating rollers arranged in arc-shape around a heating drum
Data Source
AI summary
A drying device includes a first-heating rotator configured to contact a sheet twice from different directions, and at least three second-heating rotators each configured to contact the sheet once. The at least three second-heating rotators are in a conveyance path configured to guide the sheet to contact the first-heating rotator again after the sheet contacts and passes the first-heating rotator.