Heating Zone Segmentation for Variable Media Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems face inefficiencies in uniformly heating print zones, particularly when dealing with media requiring different target curing temperatures, and simultaneously heating multiple media with varying temperature needs.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented in printing systems that includes an identification module to determine the type and density of media and image portions, and a temperature adjustment module to independently adjust the target curing temperature of heating modules across the print zone, ensuring each portion receives the appropriate heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If uniform heating is applied across the entire print zone, then all media receives consistent heat treatment, but media requiring different curing temperatures cannot be properly processed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different media typesVSAvoidcuring temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into multiple independently controllable heating zones across the print width, allowing each zone to be adjusted to different temperatures based on the specific media type and image density requirements for that region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the print zone are assigned different temperature settings according to the local media type and image density characteristics, enabling precise temperature control tailored to each specific area's curing needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire print zone is heated to accommodate the highest temperature requirement, then all media can be processed, but energy is wasted on media requiring lower temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process multiple media typesVSAvoidheating energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Each heating zone is configured to provide only the necessary temperature for the specific media type and image density in that region, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in areas where lower temperatures suffice

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature parameters across different heating zones based on detected media types and image densities, optimizing energy usage by matching heating intensity to actual requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If high temperature heating is applied to dense image portions, then proper curing is achieved, but light portions may be overheated or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring quality of dense image portionsVSAvoidoverheating damage to light image portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Heating zones corresponding to dense image portions are configured with higher temperatures, while zones for light image portions use lower temperatures, preventing overheating damage while ensuring adequate curing where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system is segmented into multiple independently controlled zones that can be individually adjusted according to the local image density, allowing precise temperature matching to prevent both under-curing and over-heating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for efficient and proper image formation by adjusting heating module temperatures based on media type and image density, reducing curing defects and accommodating multiple media with different temperature requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a first heating module to provide a first amount of thermal energy to a first image portion printed on the media and a second heating module to provide a second amount of thermal energy to a second image portion printed on the media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9969183B2Selectively heating a heating zone of a printing system

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A method includes identifying at least one of a type of a respective media to be printed on in the print zone and respective densities of portions of the image by an identification module. The method also includes independently adjusting a respective target curing temperature of each one of a plurality of heating modules disposed across the media transport path in a first direction to form the heating zone based on the at least one of the type of the respective media and the respective densities of the portions of the image identified by the identification module by a temperature adjustment module.