Sheet Drying Duct Layout for Vapor Removal and Fan Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet drying apparatuses face challenges in efficiently removing water vapor and maintaining the integrity of the drying process while ensuring the longevity of components like suction fans and detection sensors due to heat exposure.
Innovation Solution
A sheet drying apparatus is designed with a first conveyance portion, a drying portion, a suction fan, an exhaust portion, first and second ducts, a separation fan, a separation duct, a cooling fan, and a cooling duct, where the separation and cooling ducts are arranged to overlap and the suction fan is cooled to manage heat, and a separation mechanism is integrated to efficiently separate sheets from the conveyance belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction fan is placed in the drying space to remove water vapor, then water vapor removal efficiency is improved, but the suction fan is exposed to high temperature and moisture causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drying space into a first drying space near the heating unit and a second drying space farther away. The suction fan is placed in the second drying space rather than directly in the high-temperature first drying space, separating the fan from the harsh thermal environment while maintaining its water vapor removal function.
Solution Approach 2:
A duct is introduced as an intermediary structure to guide air flow from the first drying space through the suction fan located in the second drying space. This duct allows the suction fan to indirectly handle water vapor removed from the high-temperature zone without being directly exposed to it.
2Measurement precision
If the detection sensor is placed near the heating unit to monitor drying process, then detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor is exposed to high temperature causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drying space into two zones with different thermal conditions. The detection sensor is positioned in the second drying space away from the heating unit, allowing it to monitor the drying process indirectly through air flow while remaining protected from direct high-temperature exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow generated by the suction fan is used as a medium to transport thermal information from the first drying space to the second drying space where the sensor is located. This pneumatic transfer allows the sensor to detect drying conditions without direct thermal contact.
3Reliability
If multiple fans and ducts are added to improve drying efficiency and component protection, then system reliability and performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the air flow path: the same air circulation system that cools the suction fan also transports water vapor away from the heating unit and provides a cooling effect to the detection sensor. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow path serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it cools the suction fan, removes water vapor from the drying space, and provides a cooling effect to the detection sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed compared to separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 enhances the efficiency of water vapor removal, protects components from heat damage, and ensures reliable operation by maintaining component longevity and preventing condensation, thus improving the drying process and detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a drying portion (40) arranged opposite the first conveyance portion (20) with respect to the sheet conveyance direction, and configured to heat and dry the sheet P
Implementation Method 2
a suction fan (51) configured to suck in air containing water vapor present in a drying space between the first conveyance portion (20) and the drying portion (40)
Implementation Method 3
a cooling fan (55) configured to blow ambient air to cool the suction fan (51)
Implementation Method 4
a separation fan (52) configured to blow air to the sheet being conveyed by the first conveyance portion (20) to separate the sheet from the first conveyance portion (20) at a separation position
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet drying apparatus includes a first conveyance portion, a drying portion, a suction fan, an exhaust portion, first and second ducts, a separation fan, a separation duct, a cooling fan, and a cooling duct. The separation fan separates a sheet from the first conveyance portion at a separation position. The separation duct communicates the separation fan with the separation position. The cooling fan cools the suction fan. The cooling duct communicates the cooling fan with the suction fan. The suction fan and the second duct are arranged downstream of the drying portion. The separation fan, the separation duct, the cooling fan, and the cooling duct are arranged downstream of the suction fan and the second duct. The separation duct and the cooling duct are arranged so that at least parts of them overlap with each other as viewed from the width direction horizontally orthogonal to the conveyance direction.