Printing Apparatus Drying Duct With Post-Heating Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying devices face issues where the air temperature between the heating unit and the support surface remains high after drying is complete, potentially causing thermal damage to the medium.
Innovation Solution
A drying device with a duct system featuring a blowing outlet, suction inlet, and air port, along with a blower and adjustment units, allows for controlled airflow adjustment to manage temperature and airflow post-heating, including a first mode for heating and a second mode to regulate airflow even when heating is stopped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating section continues to heat the medium after drying is complete, then the drying efficiency is maintained, but thermal damage may be caused to the medium
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the drying state of the medium and provides feedback to adjust the heating section operation. When drying is detected as complete, the control unit automatically reduces or stops heating, preventing thermal damage while maintaining drying efficiency during the active drying phase
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from a static continuous heating mode to a dynamic controlled heating mode. The heating section operates at full power during the drying phase and automatically adjusts its operation based on real-time drying status, creating a dynamic system that adapts to process requirements
2Productivity
If the air circulation is increased during heating, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the temperature control precision deteriorates after heating stops
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the heating state. During heating, the blower operates at higher speed to enhance drying efficiency. After heating stops, the control unit automatically reduces air circulation speed, allowing precise temperature control and gradual cooling of the medium without thermal shock
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit prepares for the post-heating phase by gradually reducing air circulation speed before completely stopping heating. This preliminary adjustment prevents sudden temperature changes and maintains temperature control precision during the transition phase
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
Effectively manages temperature and airflow to prevent thermal damage to the medium by adjusting airflow post-heating, ensuring safe cooling and efficient drying.
Implementation Method 1
a heating section configured to heat at least one of the air in the air flow path and the medium supported on the support surface
Implementation Method 2
a blower configured to cause the air in the air flow path to flow toward the blowing outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A drying device includes a support unit, a heating unit, and a control unit. The heating unit includes a duct, which has a blowing outlet, a suction inlet, and an air port and includes an air flow path, a heating section, a blower, and a first adjustment unit capable of adjusting an amount of air flowing into the air flow path from an outside of the duct through the air port. The control unit is capable of executing a first mode in which the first adjustment unit is controlled to adjust the amount of air in a state in which the heating section performs heating and a second mode in which the first adjustment unit is controlled to cause the amount of air to be more than the amount of air in the first mode in a state in which heating by the heating section is stopped.