Pigment Ink Drying Section with Pulsed Electromagnetic Heating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying devices using high-intensity electromagnetic waves to dry pigment ink on media risk thermal denaturation of the medium.

Innovation Solution

A drying device with a configuration that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first conductor, and a second conductor, generating electromagnetic waves with pulsed intensity to dry the medium effectively while minimizing thermal denaturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high-intensity electromagnetic wave is generated to dry the medium in a short time, then the drying speed is improved, but thermal denaturation of the medium may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidthermal denaturation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by generating electromagnetic waves in a pulsed manner rather than continuously. The control unit controls the electromagnetic wave generation unit to generate electromagnetic waves periodically, creating intervals of high-intensity radiation followed by rest periods. This allows the medium to be dried efficiently during the pulse intervals while preventing excessive heat accumulation that would cause thermal denaturation during the rest intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the electromagnetic wave generation controllable and adjustable. The control unit dynamically adjusts the generation timing, duration, and intensity of electromagnetic waves based on the drying requirements. This dynamic control enables optimization of drying efficiency while preventing thermal damage by adapting the radiation parameters to the specific state of the medium being dried.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If continuous high-intensity electromagnetic waves are applied, then drying efficiency is improved, but the quality of the medium deteriorates due to thermal denaturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidmedium quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action to alternate between high-intensity electromagnetic wave generation and rest periods. During the generation intervals, drying efficiency is maximized through high-intensity radiation. During the rest intervals, the medium cools down slightly, preventing cumulative thermal damage. This periodic cycle maintains both high drying efficiency and medium quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the periodic electromagnetic wave generation continues throughout the drying process without interruption. The control unit manages multiple pulse cycles continuously, ensuring that drying action is consistently applied while the periodic nature prevents thermal damage. This continuous periodic action achieves both high productivity and quality preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 device achieves rapid drying of pigment ink on media without causing thermal denaturation, maintaining the quality of the medium.

Implementation Method 1

a drying section that dries a medium onto which pigment ink containing a pigment, water, and a solvent was ejected by generating an electromagnetic wave in response to application of a high-frequency voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

the medium can be dried in a short time by boiling liquid ejected onto the medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBoiling: Boiling

Data Source

PatentUS20250256518A1Drying device and recording device
Publication Date: 2025.08.14 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US20250256518A1 patent drawing
  • US20250256518A1 patent drawing
  • US20250256518A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A drying device include a drying section that dries a medium onto which pigment ink containing a pigment, water, and a solvent was ejected by generating an electromagnetic wave in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. The drying section includes a first electrode, a second electrode arranged so as to surround the first electrode in plan view from a first direction toward a medium, a first conductor that includes a coil and that electrically connects a transmission line, which is configured to transmit a high-frequency voltage, and the first electrode, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line and the second electrode. The drying section generates electromagnetic waves so that an irradiation intensity of the electromagnetic wave on a medium onto which pigment ink was ejected becomes pulsed in time series.