Sheet Drying Heater Duty Control for Ink and Paper Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet drying apparatuses lack the ability to finely adjust radiation intensity based on the amount of ink and type of sheet, requiring extensive manual adjustments and heater replacements.
Innovation Solution
A sheet drying apparatus that adjusts the duty of alternating-current voltage applied to the heater based on sheet properties, including type, size, thickness, and print ratio, allowing for automatic or manual setting of the heater's duty to optimize drying performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heater radiation intensity is increased to dry sheets with higher ink amounts, then drying performance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of heater radiation intensity by controlling the duty cycle of alternating-current voltage applied to the heater. The control portion automatically adjusts the duty based on detected sheet properties (type, size, thickness, print ratio), enabling the drying system to adapt its energy output to the actual drying requirements of different sheets, thus improving drying performance while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (duty cycle of AC voltage) applied to the heater to control radiation intensity. By adjusting the duty ratio based on sheet characteristics and ink amounts, the system optimizes the balance between drying effectiveness and energy efficiency, delivering sufficient heat only when and where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heater radiation intensity is finely adjusted to match different sheet types and ink amounts, then drying optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service drying optimization system where the control portion automatically detects sheet properties (type, size, thickness, print ratio) and autonomously adjusts the heater duty cycle without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using built-in sensors and control algorithms to adapt to different drying conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the control portion continuously monitors sheet properties and adjusts the heater radiation intensity accordingly. The system uses detected information about sheet characteristics to feedback-control the duty cycle, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes drying parameters without increasing mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional on/off heater control is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but drying precision for different ink amounts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic alternating-current voltage with variable duty cycle to control heater operation instead of simple on/off switching. By applying power in periodic pulses with adjustable duty ratios, the system achieves fine control over average radiation intensity while maintaining the simplicity of electrical control, enabling precise drying adaptation without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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
Stable and efficient drying of sheets with reduced power consumption and minimal user intervention, adapting to varying sheet types and ink amounts without the need for manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The drying portion includes a heater arranged opposite the conveyance portion, and heats and dries the sheet by using the heater
Implementation Method 2
on a sheet drying apparatus that dries sheets by using an infrared heater, the drying performance (the radiation intensity of infrared rays)
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet drying apparatus includes a conveyance portion, a drying portion, a heater voltage power supply, and a control portion. The conveyance portion conveys a sheet having an image formed on it with ink containing moisture. The drying portion has a heater arranged opposite the conveyance portion and heats and dries the sheet by using the heater. The heater voltage power supply applies an alternating-current voltage to the heater. The control portion controls the heater voltage power supply. The control portion can change the duty of the alternating-current voltage applied to the heater from an initial set value to an adjusted set value.