Image Recording Apparatus Conveying Path for Double-Sided Heat Drying

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image recording apparatuses lack the ability to selectively perform heat drying on both surfaces of a recording medium without increasing apparatus size, making double-sided recording less user-friendly and requiring additional setup for second surface recording.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a main conveying path with a heat drying portion and a sub conveying path without heat drying, along with a reversal path that allows for double-sided recording and selective heat drying on each surface, preventing the need for increased apparatus size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a double-side conveying path is added to enable double-sided recording, then double-sided recording capability is improved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-sided recording capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the double-sided recording function into the existing single-sided recording path by implementing a reversal mechanism. The recording medium is conveyed through the recording portion, then reversed and conveyed back through the same path for recording on the other surface. This eliminates the need for a separate double-sided conveying path, thus avoiding apparatus size increase while enabling double-sided recording capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic path switching using conveying path switching portions that can redirect the recording medium between different conveying paths. By dynamically reversing the conveying direction and switching paths, the system enables double-sided recording using the same physical infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional static conveying paths and maintaining compact apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If heat drying portion is added for promoting heat drying, then drying performance is improved, but apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying performanceVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat drying portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it dries the recording medium after front surface recording, and subsequently dries the recording medium after back surface recording when the medium is conveyed back through the same path. This multi-functional design allows effective heat drying for both surfaces without requiring separate drying portions for each side, thus improving drying performance while avoiding apparatus size increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat drying portion performs preliminary drying of the recording medium after front surface recording, preparing it for subsequent back surface recording. By performing the drying action in advance during the first pass, the system optimizes the drying process for double-sided recording without adding additional drying mechanisms, thereby maintaining compact apparatus size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If recording medium is conveyed back upstream for second surface recording, then double-sided recording is enabled, but conveying path complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-sided recordingVSAvoidconveying path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying path is segmented into distinct sections: a first conveying path for forward conveyance, a second conveying path for backward conveyance, and a reversal conveying path for direction change. By segmenting the path and using switching portions to control transitions between segments, the system manages the complexity of double-sided recording through modular path management, making the conveying system more controllable and maintainable despite the increased functional requirements.

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

Enables easy double-sided recording with selective heat drying on each surface, reducing apparatus size and improving usability by allowing the recording medium to pass through a non-heat drying path for the second surface, thus enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a heating portion for heating the recording medium recorded by the recording portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat drying: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11460794B2Image recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 CANON KK

AI summary

An image recording apparatus includes a stacking portion on which a recording medium is stacked; a recording portion for recording an image on the recording medium; a heating portion for heating the recording medium recorded by the recording portion; a discharge portion for discharging the recording medium recorded by the recording portion; a first path for conveying the recording medium in order of the stacking portion, the recording portion, the heating portion, and the discharge portion; a second path branching off from the first path between the recording portion and the heating portion, and merging with the first path downstream of the heating portion; and a third path for connecting the second path and a part of the first path between the stacking portion and the recording portion, and inverting a recording surface of the recording medium.