Inclined Drying Unit for Compact Web Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular inkjet printing devices require a large installation space due to the design of their drying units, which is inefficient in terms of space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The drying unit is designed with an inclined or oblique arrangement of the emission region, allowing the heating elements to be positioned on one side and cooling elements on the other, with the recording medium moving at different angles through the unit to optimize space usage, and featuring a heating saddle for contact and radiant heating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional drying unit design is used in modular inkjet printing devices, then the drying function is achieved, but the installation space required is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoiddrying unit design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The emission region of the heating element is arranged obliquely rather than horizontally or vertically, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. The emission region extends from a first end at a first height to a second end at a second height, creating a sloped configuration that reduces the horizontal footprint of the drying unit while maintaining effective drying coverage across the web width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the emission region is arranged horizontally or vertically, then the heating element structure is simple, but the installation space is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation space utilizationVSAvoidemission region arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The drying unit employs an asymmetric oblique arrangement of the emission region, where the heating element is positioned at an angle relative to the web transport direction. This asymmetric configuration allows the emission region to overlap more effectively with the web path, optimizing space utilization without requiring symmetric horizontal or vertical arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 design allows for a compact and efficient use of installation space, enabling high-speed printing with reduced space requirements and flexible module configuration, avoiding duplication and maintaining continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

The emission region of a heating element is, in general, the plane in which the heating element emits thermal radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a contact region is arranged for contacting a heating element with the recording medium to be printed, said heating element being executed as a contact heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12023908B2Drying unit for a printing device for printing with ink to a recording medium in the form of a web

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV

AI summary

A drying unit for a printing device for printing with ink to a recording medium in the form of a web includes at least one heating element. The recording medium to be dried is movable along an emission region of the heating element. The emission region is arranged angled in the transport direction of the recording medium.