Independent Drying and Guide Unit Layout for Jam-Free Roll Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with paper jam and reduced operability due to the configuration of the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit, which obstruct the setting of roll-shaped print media and require a larger apparatus size.
Innovation Solution
The ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are designed to be independently movable, allowing them to retract when setting roll-shaped media, thereby preventing paper jam and enabling easier media insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are arranged at the front side of the main body to improve operability, then the leading end of the print medium cannot pass through the gap between the units due to curling, causing paper jam
Solution Approach 1:
The ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are configured to be movable relative to each other, allowing the gap between them to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the leading end of the curled print medium to pass through the gap during roll setting, while maintaining the units in a fixed position during normal operation to ensure reliable ink fixing.
2Reliability
If the gap between the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit is widened to prevent paper jam, then the efficiency of ink fixing decreases due to reduced hot air delivery to the print medium
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit is dynamically adjustable. During roll setting, the gap is widened to prevent paper jam. During normal printing operation, the gap is maintained at an optimized distance to ensure efficient hot air delivery and ink fixing, thus resolving the contradiction between paper jam prevention and ink fixing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are configured to move as one to improve operability, then the leading end of the print medium cannot pass through the gap between the units, causing paper jam
Solution Approach 1:
The ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are segmented into independently movable components. This allows the leading end of the print medium to pass through the gap between the units during roll setting, while enabling independent adjustment of each unit's position to maintain optimal gap distance during operation, preventing paper jam.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are configured to be movable relative to each other, allowing the gap between them to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the leading end of the curled print medium to pass through the gap during roll setting, while maintaining the units in a fixed position during normal operation to ensure reliable ink fixing.
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 enhances operability by allowing secure media setting and prevents paper jam, while maintaining a compact apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
a drying unit configured to dry liquid... a method of heating the print medium to accelerate fixing of ink or a method of drying ink landed on the print medium, by using a heating unit such as a heater is frequently used
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus (100) includes a drying means (300) configured to be movable to a first operating position where a print medium (1) subjected to printing by a printing means (8) is dried, and to a first retracted position retracted from the first operating position. The apparatus also includes a supporting means (500) provided facing the drying means (300) and configured to be movable independently of the drying means to a second operating position where the print medium (1) to be dried by the drying means (300) is supported, and to a second retracted position retracted from the second operating position.