Image Decoloring Apparatus with Variable Heat Roller Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image decoloring apparatuses have inefficiencies in power consumption due to unnecessarily large heat roller configurations at the downstream decoloring section, which apply less heat compared to the upstream section, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a conveyance path with a first decoloring section using a larger heat roller and a second decoloring section with a smaller heat roller, where the second heat roller's reduced thickness and heat capacity allow for efficient heat transfer and reduced power consumption by preheating the sheet, enabling complete decoloring with lower heat input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the downstream decoloring section uses the same heat roller size as the upstream section, then the decoloring function is ensured, but the power consumption increases due to unnecessarily large heat capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different heat roller sizes to different sections of the decoloring apparatus based on their specific functional requirements. The upstream section uses a larger heat roller for initial heating, while the downstream section uses a smaller heat roller optimized for its specific decoloring task, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption from oversized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters (size, heat capacity) of the heat rollers between upstream and downstream sections to match the varying thermal requirements at different stages of the decoloring process, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining decoloring effectiveness.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the downstream decoloring section uses a smaller heat roller, then the power consumption is reduced, but the heat transfer efficiency must be optimized to maintain decoloring effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream decoloring section performs preliminary heating of the sheet before it reaches the downstream section. This pre-heating action reduces the thermal load on the downstream section, allowing it to use a smaller, more energy-efficient heat roller while still achieving effective decoloring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous thermal processing through the decoloring sections, where the sheet receives progressive heating and decoloring treatment. This continuous action ensures that heat is efficiently transferred and utilized throughout the process, minimizing energy loss despite the reduced size of the downstream heat roller.
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 reduces power consumption by optimizing heat roller sizes, ensuring efficient decoloring while maintaining effective image removal on both sides of the sheet, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the decoloring process.
Implementation Method 1
the image serving as a decoloring target is formed using a coloring agent having decoloring characteristic such as ink containing leuco dye and the like. The coloring agent having decoloring characteristic has a property that decolors the color thereof by applying a high temperature thereto. Thus, the image decoloring apparatus can heat the sheet to decolor the image formed on the sheet.
Implementation Method 2
The coloring agent having decoloring characteristic has a property that decolors the color thereof by applying a high temperature thereto.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an image decoloring apparatus comprises a conveyance path configured to convey a sheet on which an image is formed with a coloring agent that is decolored by heat; a first heat roller configured to be arranged at the upstream side of the conveyance path; and a second heat roller configured to be arranged at the downstream side of the conveyance path. Each of the first heat roller and the second heat roller includes a cylindrical portion and a heat source. The thickness of the cylindrical portion constituting the first heat roller is larger than the thickness of the cylindrical portion constituting the second heat roller. In this way, the heat capacity of the first heat roller is also larger than the heat capacity of the second heat roller.