Recording Apparatus Vertical Unit Layout Horizontal Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses with multiple recording and drying units face challenges in minimizing horizontal size while ensuring effective ink drying and preventing ink movement due to inclined conveyance paths, which can lead to image failures and color mixing.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus is designed with multiple recording units where at least part of each unit is positioned vertically, with overlapping regions in the horizontal direction, and the recording medium is conveyed horizontally through the first drying portion for a predetermined distance to prevent ink movement, allowing for separate multi-color recording and efficient drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the recording medium is conveyed in an inclined attitude through the drying portion, then the drying portion can be positioned on a rear stage of the recording portion, but the ink moves on the recording medium along the inclination causing image failures
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance path is divided into two distinct segments: a first conveyance section where the recording medium is conveyed in a horizontal attitude to prevent ink movement, and a second conveyance section where the recording medium is conveyed in an inclined attitude to enable compact drying portion positioning. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane conveyance approach to a multi-dimensional conveyance path by introducing vertical movement between the horizontal first conveyance section and the inclined second conveyance section. This dimensional change enables the drying portion to be positioned on a rear stage while maintaining ink stability during the critical drying phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recording units are aligned in the horizontal direction, then each unit can be independently configured, but the size of the recording apparatus in the horizontal direction becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple recording units in the vertical direction rather than solely in the horizontal direction. The first recording unit and second recording unit are positioned at different vertical levels, with their drying portions located on rear stages. This vertical arrangement significantly reduces the horizontal footprint of the recording apparatus while maintaining the capability for multi-color recording through separate recording units.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying portions are nested on the rear stages of the recording portions, with the second drying portion positioned below the first drying portion in the vertical direction. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional units to occupy overlapping horizontal spaces while maintaining independent operation, thereby reducing the overall horizontal size of the apparatus.
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 configuration effectively suppresses ink movement and color mixing, enabling larger ink application amounts while maintaining a compact horizontal size, ensuring high-quality image recording and improved productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a drying portion for promoting evaporation of a liquid component of the ink on a rear stage of a recording portion which performs ink application
Data Source
AI summary
Recording on a recording medium with multiple types of liquid can be performed separately for a first recording unit and a second recording unit, a part of the first recording unit and a part of the second recording unit are provided at different positions in a vertical direction, and a part of a region obtained by projecting the first recording unit in the vertical direction and a part of a region obtained by projecting the second recording unit in the vertical direction overlap with each other in a horizontal direction, and the recording medium conveyed out of the first recording portion is conveyed in a horizontal attitude until the recording medium has passed a predetermined distance in a first drying portion of the first recording unit.