Non-uniform Heating Pattern for Printing Fluid Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer systems face inefficiencies in drying printing fluids due to uniform heat application, which slows down the evaporation process and reduces energy efficiency, as constant heat transfer to the substrate leads to solvent vapor formation that absorbs additional heat, hindering the drying process.
Innovation Solution
A non-uniform heating pattern is achieved by focusing electromagnetic energy into spatially separated higher and lower intensity regions using a focusing system, such as cylindrical lenses, allowing for enhanced evaporation and energy efficiency, with a vapor removal system utilizing ambient temperature air to dissipate saturated vapor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform heat application is used to dry printing fluid, then the substrate is heated evenly, but the drying efficiency is reduced due to solvent vapor formation that absorbs heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform heating by creating distinct high-intensity and low-intensity regions across the substrate surface. The electromagnetic energy sources are arranged and focused to produce alternating bands of heating intensity, where high-intensity regions rapidly evaporate solvent while low-intensity regions allow vapor to dissipate without excessive heat absorption, thereby improving overall drying efficiency and energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating pattern is segmented into multiple spatially separated high-intensity and low-intensity regions distributed across the substrate. This segmentation allows different zones to perform different functions: high-intensity zones for rapid evaporation and low-intensity zones for vapor dissipation, preventing the uniform heat absorption problem that occurs when solvent vapor is present across the entire substrate surface.
2Temperature
If constant heat transfer to the substrate is applied, then the substrate temperature increases steadily, but solvent vapor formation absorbs further heat and hinders the drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic heating action by alternating high-intensity and low-intensity regions in space, which creates a temporal periodic effect as the substrate moves through the heating zones. This periodic heating pattern allows the substrate to experience cycles of rapid heating for evaporation followed by cooler zones that facilitate vapor dissipation, maintaining higher average evaporation rates without excessive temperature buildup that would cause harmful vapor absorption.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If uniform heating pattern is used, then the energy distribution is even, but the drying process slows down due to heat absorption by solvent vapor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately creates non-uniform energy distribution by designing alternating high-intensity and low-intensity heating regions. This local quality variation optimizes the drying process by concentrating energy where evaporation is needed while providing cooler zones for vapor dissipation, thereby reducing total drying time despite the non-uniform energy distribution across the substrate surface.
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 non-uniform heating pattern increases drying efficiency by 10% to 30% compared to uniform heating, reducing energy consumption and optimizing the drying process by alternating heat exposure and effective vapor removal.
Implementation Method 1
Heat energy is absorbed by the colourant and transferred to the solvent fluids, which causes evaporation
Implementation Method 2
evaporation of solvent fluid from the printing fluid
Implementation Method 3
a focusing system configured to focus electromagnetic energy from the plurality of electromagnetic energy sources to form a non-uniform heating pattern on the surface of the substrate
Implementation Method 4
The non-uniform heating pattern comprises a plurality of spatially separated higher and lower intensity regions distributed along the conveying direction
Implementation Method 5
a conveyor system configured to move the substrate in a conveying direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drying assembly comprises a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources arranged to dry printing fluid deposited onto a surface of a substrate, by evaporation of a solvent fluid therefrom. The drying assembly further comprises a conveyor system configured to move the substrate in a conveying direction, and a focusing system configured to focus electromagnetic energy from the plurality of electromagnetic energy sources to form a non-uniform heating pattern on the surface of the substrate. The non-uniform heating pattern comprises a plurality of spatially separated higher and lower intensity regions distributed along the conveying direction.