Printing Apparatus Reflecting Surface Cooling for Heat Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The degradation of reflecting surfaces in transfer-type printing apparatuses due to heat exposure reduces heating efficiency, as radiant heat reflecting surfaces lose reflectance over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cooling unit that supplies gas to the reflecting surface of the heating unit in a printing apparatus, which includes a heat generating unit and a reflecting unit, to maintain the reflectance and efficiency of radiant heat reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a reflecting surface is used to reflect radiant heat for heating the ink image, then heating efficiency is improved, but the reflecting surface degrades due to heat exposure, reducing reflectance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reflecting surface from the heat-generating component. The reflecting unit is divided into a reflecting surface and a heat dissipation structure, allowing the reflecting surface to be thermally isolated from the heat generating unit while still performing its reflection function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling unit acts as an intermediary between the heat generating unit and the reflecting surface. This cooling unit supplies gas to cool the reflecting surface, preventing direct thermal exposure while maintaining the heating function through radiant heat reflection.
2Productivity
If the reflecting surface is exposed to radiant heat continuously, then heating function is maintained, but the lifespan of the reflecting surface is reduced due to thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit is activated before significant thermal degradation occurs. By continuously or periodically supplying gas to cool the reflecting surface, the system prevents thermal accumulation that would lead to degradation, thereby extending the reflecting surface operational life while maintaining continuous heating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit supplies gas (such as air or inert gas) to create a protective environment around the reflecting surface. This gas flow not only cools the surface but also protects it from thermal oxidation and other heat-induced chemical degradation, extending its lifespan.
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 cooling unit effectively suppresses the degradation of the reflecting surface, ensuring consistent heating efficiency and extending the lifespan of the reflecting surfaces by maintaining their reflectance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat generating unit configured to generate radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting unit that includes a reflecting surface configured to reflect the radiant heat of the heat generating unit
Implementation Method 3
a cooling unit configured to cool the reflecting surface by supplying a gas to the reflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to form an ink image by discharging ink on a medium, and a heating unit configured to heat the ink image on the medium. The heating unit includes a heat generating unit configured to generate radiant heat, a reflecting unit that includes a reflecting surface configured to reflect the radiant heat of the heat generating unit, and a cooling unit configured to cool the reflecting surface by supplying a gas to the reflecting surface.