Movable Drying and Support Units for Jam-Free Roll Media Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing apparatuses face issues with paper jam and reduced operability due to the configuration of the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit, which obstruct the setting of roll-shaped print media and require a larger apparatus size, especially when the print medium's leading end needs to pass through a narrow gap between these units.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a movable drying unit and independently movable supporting unit, allowing the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit to retract, thereby preventing paper jam and improving operability by ensuring the print medium can easily enter the gap without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are arranged at the front side of the main body to dry the print medium, then ink fixing efficiency is improved, but the apparatus size is enlarged and operability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are configured to be movable between a working position (where they protrude from the main body for ink fixing) and a retracted position (where they are stored inside the main body). This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to have a compact size when not in use while providing full functionality during operation, effectively resolving the contradiction between apparatus size and ink fixing efficiency
2Ease of operation
If the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit are made movable to improve operability, then the apparatus can be moved to narrower places, but paper jam occurs when the leading end of the print medium is within the movement region
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the print medium's leading end position before moving the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit. If the leading end is detected within the movement region, the units remain in the retracted position, preventing paper jam. This preliminary action ensures safe operation while maintaining apparatus mobility
3Ease of operation
If the gap between the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit is widened to facilitate print medium entry, then operability is improved, but ink fixing efficiency decreases due to reduced heat and wind speed
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the ink fixing unit and discharging guide unit is dynamically adjusted based on the position of the print medium's leading end. When the leading end is detected, the units maintain a smaller gap to ensure efficient ink fixing with adequate heat and wind speed. When no print medium is present, the units can be in the retracted position, effectively resolving the contradiction between operational ease and ink fixing efficiency
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
The solution prevents paper jam and enhances operability by allowing the print medium to be easily set and conveyed, maintaining a consistent gap for efficient ink fixing and reducing the apparatus's size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a method of heating the print medium to accelerate fixing of ink or a method of drying ink landed on the print medium, by using a heating unit such as a heater is frequently used
Implementation Method 2
in order to efficiently perform ink fixing, it is necessary to deliver hot air to the print medium before the heat and the wind speed generated by the ink fixing unit decrease
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a drying unit configured to be movable to a first operating position where a print medium subjected to printing by a printing unit is dried, and to a first retracted position retracted from the first operating position. The apparatus also includes a supporting unit provided facing the drying unit and configured to be movable independently of the drying unit to a second operating position where the print medium to be dried by the drying unit is supported, and to a second retracted position retracted from the second operating position.