Fixing Roller With Gaseous Medium Gap for Print Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing technologies often alter the moisture content of recording media during the fixing process, leading to negative effects such as dehydration and increased energy consumption, as they warm the medium to fix the print image.

Innovation Solution

A fixer system using a fixing roller with a gaseous medium gap between the roller and the recording medium, allowing for direct thermal energy transfer to the print image without significant warming of the medium, thereby maintaining the moisture content and reducing energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the recording medium is warmed by a heating saddle to fix the print image, then the print image is fixed effectively, but the moisture content of the recording medium is altered negatively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing effectivenessVSAvoidmoisture alteration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A gaseous fixing medium is introduced as an intermediary between the heating saddle and the recording medium. The gas absorbs and transfers thermal energy to the print image while preventing direct thermal contact with the recording medium, thus fixing the image without significantly altering the medium's moisture content

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a gaseous medium (pneumatic approach) to transmit thermal energy for fixing the print image. The gas flows between the heating element and the recording medium, enabling heat transfer while maintaining the moisture balance of the substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If the recording medium is warmed to fix the print image, then the fixing process is effective, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gaseous fixing medium acts as a thermal intermediary that can be heated to a lower temperature than direct contact heating would require. The gas circulates and transfers heat efficiently to the print image, reducing the overall energy input needed compared to warming the entire recording medium

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the fixing process by using a gas medium with specific thermal properties (heat capacity, thermal conductivity). This allows for optimized heat transfer at lower temperatures and reduced energy consumption while maintaining effective fixing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional heating methods are used to fix the print image, then the fixing is achieved, but subsequent cooling or humidification steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing achievementVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gaseous fixing medium protects the recording medium from direct thermal exposure, preventing excessive heating and moisture loss. This eliminates the need for subsequent cooling or humidification steps, simplifying the overall process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts what would normally be a harmful effect (thermal exposure causing moisture loss) into a beneficial controlled process. The gas medium allows selective heating of only the print image while preserving the recording medium's moisture balance, turning a potential problem into an advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method enables a gentle and energy-efficient fixing process that minimizes moisture alteration and reduces the need for subsequent cooling or humidification steps, preserving the recording medium and optimizing the printing process.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for direct thermal energy transfer to the print image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A fixer system using a fixing roller with a gaseous medium gap between the roller and the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11554595B2Fixing unit and method for fixing a print image on a recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV

AI summary

A fixer includes a fixing roller around which a recording medium is directed such that the print image to be fixed faces toward the shell surface of the fixing roller. A fixing gap is generated with a gaseous fixing medium between the shell surface of the fixing roller and the recording medium. This advantageously produces an efficient and gentle fixing of the print image.