Heating apparatus, image applier, and image applying method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current textile printers perform printing and heating operations sequentially, which can lead to creasing or partial overlapping of printed cloths, degrading the print quality and increasing operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a printer and a separate heating apparatus that uses a cassette as a cloth holder, allowing for simultaneous printing and heating, with the cassette being removable and reusable, thereby maintaining the printed cloth's state and reducing the risk of creasing or overlapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If printing and heating operations are performed sequentially in a textile printer, then the equipment structure can be simplified, but creasing or partial overlapping of printed cloths occurs which degrades print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The textile printer is divided into two independent units: a printing unit and a heating unit. Each unit performs its function independently, allowing the cloth to be printed and then heated without interference. This segmentation eliminates the creasing problem while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer medium (such as a transfer paper or intermediate carrier) is introduced between the printing unit and heating unit. The printed cloth is first applied to the transfer medium, then transferred to the heating unit for heating. This intermediary prevents direct contact and creasing between the cloth and heating surfaces.
2Device complexity
If printing and heating operations are performed sequentially, then equipment complexity is reduced, but operational time increases due to separate processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The printing unit and heating unit are designed to operate in continuous sequence without idle time between operations. The output of the printing unit becomes the immediate input of the heating unit, eliminating waiting time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing operation is completed in advance with all printing parameters optimized for speed. The cloth is then immediately transferred to the heating unit which is pre-heated and ready, eliminating preparation time and ensuring continuous operation.
3Ease of operation
If a single unit performs both printing and heating, then operational process is simplified, but the cloth may crease or overlap during handling between operations
Solution Approach 1:
By separating printing and heating into independent units with dedicated transfer mechanisms, the cloth handling is minimized and controlled. Each unit has its own optimized handling system, reducing the risk of creasing and overlapping compared to a single unit requiring multiple handling transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer medium acts as a copy carrier, maintaining the printed image integrity while transferring the cloth between units. The transfer medium reproduces the printed pattern accurately while protecting the original cloth from direct contact and potential damage during transfer.
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 print quality by preventing creasing and overlapping, simplifies the operational process, and allows for efficient use of the cassette in both printing and heating stages, improving user convenience and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device is disposed above the receiver, to heat the heating target
Data Source
AI summary
A heating apparatus includes an apparatus body, a receiver, a heating device, and a partition. The receiver holds a heating target so that the heating target is insertable into and removable from the apparatus body. The heating device is disposed above the receiver, to heat the heating target. The partition partitions an upper space above the heating device into a first space facing the heating device and a second space facing an upper surface portion of the apparatus body.