Elastic Biasing Heat Conductive Support Structure for Sheet Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed inkjet printers face challenges in evenly heating printed sheets due to high friction and wear between the moving belt and stationary support structure, leading to overheating of dry areas and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The heat conductive support structure is elastically biased against the belt with a compliance limiting mechanism, allowing independent segment movement and reduced friction, while maintaining effective heat distribution through a combination of elastic biasing and belt tensioning to manage forces and prevent excessive compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high suction pressure is applied to hold sheets on the belt at high speed, then sheet holding reliability is improved, but friction between belt and support structure increases leading to higher energy consumption and accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into movable segments that can dynamically adjust their position and contact force with the belt, transitioning from a static high-friction contact to a dynamic low-friction support system
Solution Approach 2:
A suction box with airflow is introduced to provide sheet holding force through pneumatic suction rather than purely mechanical friction, reducing the frictional contact between belt and support structure
2Reliability
If high suction pressure is applied to hold sheets on the belt, then sheet holding reliability is improved, but wear of the belt accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction box creates a pneumatic field that holds sheets without requiring excessive mechanical friction, thereby reducing wear on the belt and extending its service life
Solution Approach 2:
Movable support segments reduce continuous frictional contact, decreasing wear accumulation on the belt over time
3Temperature
If the belt is pressed firmly against the support structure to ensure good thermal contact, then heat distribution is improved, but friction and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable segments provide sufficient thermal contact through controlled elastic pressure rather than continuous firm pressing, reducing frictional energy loss while maintaining heat transfer effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
Dividing the support structure into separate movable segments allows localized thermal contact optimization without requiring high overall friction, enabling heat distribution with reduced energy consumption
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 solution reduces friction and wear, ensures even heat distribution across the sheet, and prevents overheating by managing forces and maintaining effective thermal contact, thereby improving the efficiency and longevity of the heating process.
Implementation Method 1
the heat conductive stationary support structure which is formed by a perforated top wall of the suction box has not only the function to support the belt but has also the function to equalize the temperature profile of the sheet by absorbing heat from the hotter areas of the sheet and transporting it to the cooler areas
Implementation Method 2
the heat conductive support structure is elastically biased against the belt with a biasing force
Implementation Method 3
a suction box is installed underneath the belt, so that air is sucked-in through the perforations of the belt and the sheets are firmly attracted against the belt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus for heat treatment of sheets (S) that are supported on a moving belt (10), wherein the sheets (S) are pressed against a support surface of the belt (10) and the belt is supported on a heat conductive stationary support structure (16), characterized in that the heat conductive support structure (16) is elastically biased against the belt (10) with a biasing force (F1) and a compliance limiting mechanism (20) is arranged to support the belt (10) against a force (Fs) with which the sheets are pressed against the belt.