Heating Device Heat Management for Sheet Wrinkle Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid applying apparatuses, such as inkjet image forming machines, the subsequent sheet cannot enter the post-processing apparatus until the post-processing operation on the preceding sheet is complete, leading to issues like uneven heating, wrinkle formation, and increased energy consumption due to wasteful heat usage by the drying device.
Innovation Solution
The subsequent sheet is stopped at a position upstream from the heat area of the drying device during the post-processing operation on the preceding sheet, reducing its exposure to heat and allowing the drying device to be powered down, thus conserving energy and preventing sheet degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heating device continuously heats the sheet to dry the liquid, then the liquid drying function is improved, but energy consumption increases and subsequent sheets are damaged by unnecessary heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device dynamically adjusts its operation state based on real-time detection of sheet presence in the heat area. When a sheet is detected, heating is activated; when no sheet is present (such as during post-processing operations), heating is deactivated. This dynamic control prevents energy waste and avoids damaging subsequent sheets with unnecessary heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection device continuously monitors the heat area to determine whether a sheet is present. This feedback information is used to control the heating device's operation, ensuring heating only occurs when actually needed for drying liquid on a sheet, thereby eliminating wasteful energy consumption and preventing heat-related damage to sheets.
2Productivity
If the post-processing apparatus waits for the heating device to complete drying, then processing sequence is simplified, but production efficiency decreases due to unnecessary waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device performs preliminary detection of sheet presence in the heat area before the post-processing apparatus initiates its operation. This allows the system to determine in advance whether heating should be active, enabling the post-processing apparatus to proceed without unnecessary waiting time while maintaining proper drying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device operates continuously only when sheets are present in the heat area. When sheets are removed for post-processing, the heating device automatically suspends operation, eliminating idle running time and enabling continuous productive operation only when needed, thereby improving overall processing efficiency.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the heating device operates at high temperature to quickly dry the liquid, then drying speed is improved, but sheet degradation and wrinkle formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device operates periodically based on sheet presence detection rather than continuously. Heating is activated only during periods when a sheet is in the heat area and deactivated when no sheet is present. This periodic operation ensures adequate drying time when needed while preventing heat-related damage during periods when sheets are not present.
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 approach minimizes the effect of heat on the subsequent sheet, prevents sheet wrinkles and degradation, and enhances energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary heat generation and extending the lifespan of the drying device components.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device is configured to heat the sheet on which the liquid is applied, by the liquid applier
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid applying apparatus includes a liquid applier, a heating device, and a post-processing apparatus. The liquid applier is configured to discharge liquid to a sheet. The heating device is configured to heat the sheet on which the liquid is applied, by the liquid applier. The post-processing apparatus is configured to perform a post-processing operation to the sheet that has passed the heating device. An upstream sheet that is conveyed after the sheet and located upstream from the post-processing apparatus in a sheet conveyance direction stops in an area other than a heat area of the heating device when the post-processing apparatus performs the post-processing operation on the sheet.