Non-contact Fabric Drying via Pneumatic Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying devices for fabrics printed with ink containing pigment face challenges in preventing image quality deterioration due to fabric deformation during transport, especially when using transport rollers that nip the fabric before drying.
Innovation Solution
A drying device that uses a blowing unit to blow gas obliquely onto the printed fabric and a suctioning unit to suction gas from the opposite surface, creating a curved shape that allows the fabric to float and be transported without nipping, while controlling the output of both units based on fabric type and displacement detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If transport rollers nip the fabric to transport it, then the fabric can be moved through the drying device, but the image quality deteriorates due to fabric deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical nipping transport system with a pneumatic field-based transport system. Gas blowing units and suctioning units create a pneumatic field that applies transport force to the fabric surface, enabling non-contact movement through the drying device while preventing image quality deterioration caused by mechanical nipping and deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas blowing units to blow gas onto the fabric surface and suctioning units to create negative pressure, forming a pneumatic transport system. The gas flow and suction create controlled movement of the fabric through the drying device without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between transport capability and image quality preservation
2Force
If gas is blown obliquely onto the fabric, then transport force is applied without nipping, but the fabric may deform or flutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent balances the oblique gas blowing force with strategically positioned suctioning units that create counteracting negative pressure zones. This counterbalance stabilizes the fabric by preventing excessive deformation and fluttering while maintaining the necessary transport force component, allowing controlled non-contact movement through the drying device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts gas flow parameters and suction pressure parameters to optimize fabric stability during transport. By controlling the intensity and distribution of gas blowing and suction forces, the system maintains fabric stability while applying sufficient transport force without mechanical nipping
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 solution effectively dries the fabric while preventing image quality deterioration by applying transport force without nipping, and allows for adjustable settings based on fabric type to maintain optimal drying efficiency and prevent fluttering.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing unit 13 capable of blowing gas 11 to a first surface 5
Implementation Method 2
a suctioning unit 17 positioned on a second surface 15 side of the fabric 3 in a blowing direction B in which the gas 11 is blown from the blowing unit 13, and capable of suctioning the gas 11
Implementation Method 3
drying device that dries fabric between a printing apparatus printing on a first surface of the fabric
Data Source
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AI summary
A drying device positioned between a printing apparatus that performs prints on a first surface of fabric transported in a transport direction, and a receiving device that receives the fabric after the fabric has passed through the printing apparatus, includes a blowing unit capable of blowing out gas to the first surface, and a suctioning unit positioned on a side close to a second surface side of the fabric in a blowing direction of the blowing unit, and capable of suctioning the gas. The blowing unit is configured to blow out gas in a state where the fabric is supported by respective support members in at least one of an upstream position and a downstream position, being positions upstream and downstream of the blowing unit and the suctioning unit in a transport direction of the medium. Then a blowing direction of the gas faces downstream in the transport direction.