Printer Transport Surface Projections for Drying and Static Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently drying roll paper after printing due to air layers formed between the paper and the discharge guide, which hinder effective drying and lead to energy loss when using hot air for drying.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus features a transport surface with projections or recesses that allow the roll paper to make slide contact, reducing static electricity generation and attraction, while efficiently heating the paper for improved drying and smooth transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the surface of the discharge guide is heated to dry the roll paper, then the drying effect is improved, but the air layer formed between the roll paper and the surface prevents effective drying and causes energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge guide surface is segmented into multiple projections (ridges) that are separated from each other. This segmentation allows the roll paper to contact only specific portions of the surface through the valleys between projections, eliminating the continuous air layer that previously prevented effective thermal contact and caused energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge guide surface is modified to have non-uniform local properties: projections provide contact points for thermal transfer while valleys create localized air gaps. This local quality variation enables simultaneous regions of thermal contact (for drying) and air cushioning (for reduced friction and energy efficiency).
2Productivity
If the roll paper makes contact with the transport surface to be heated, then drying efficiency is improved, but static electricity generation due to friction increases and attracts the roll paper to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The transport surface is divided into discrete projections rather than a continuous surface. This segmentation limits the contact area between the roll paper and the heated surface to specific points (the valleys), reducing friction-induced static electricity generation while maintaining sufficient thermal contact for drying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transport surface serve different functions: projections provide thermal mass and heating capability, while valleys provide localized contact points that minimize friction and static electricity. This spatial differentiation of surface properties resolves the contradiction between drying efficiency and static electricity reduction.
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 effectively suppresses static electricity and enhances drying efficiency, allowing for smooth transport of the roll paper by reducing contact area and ensuring uniform drying without energy wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a heater unit for heating the transport surface
Implementation Method 2
an air layer is formed between the roll paper and the surface of the discharge guide, which prevents the generation of static electricity caused by friction between the roll paper and the surface of the discharge guide
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a printing section configured to perform printing on roll paper, a transport surface (hot plate) where the roll paper on which printing has been performed is transported, and a heater unit (heater) for heating the transport surface. The stated transport surface includes a plurality of projections with which the roll paper makes slide contact.