Heat Dissipation in Tablet Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tablet printing apparatuses using inkjet print heads, temperature rises due to heat sources within the housing can cause ink drying at the nozzle tips, leading to ink ejection failures and print defects, reducing productivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of heat conductive members in contact with heat sources and exhaust pipes transfers heat generated by these sources to the exhaust pipes, where it is discharged outside the housing, maintaining optimal temperatures for inkjet head operation and preventing print defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat sources (motors) are placed inside the housing to drive the conveying device, then the conveying function is achieved, but temperature rises causing ink drying at the nozzle tip
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful heat generated by the motor is extracted and removed from the housing through dedicated heat dissipation structures (heat radiating fins and exhaust ports), separating the heat source from the inkjet printing environment while maintaining the motor's driving function
Solution Approach 2:
Heat conductive members are introduced as intermediaries to transfer heat from the motor to the heat dissipation structures, enabling efficient heat removal without direct thermal coupling between the motor and the housing interior
2Reliability
If the housing is sealed to protect internal components, then component protection is improved, but heat accumulation occurs leading to ink ejection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates heat radiating fins that extend through the housing structure, creating controlled thermal pathways that allow heat escape while maintaining the housing's protective enclosure function
Solution Approach 2:
Heat is actively extracted from the sealed housing environment through exhaust ports and radiating fins, preventing heat accumulation that would otherwise cause ink drying and printing defects
3Device complexity
If no heat dissipation structure is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ink drying occurs at the nozzle tip causing ejection failures
Solution Approach 1:
Heat dissipation features (fins and exhaust ports) are localized to specific areas of the housing where heat generation occurs, providing targeted thermal management without adding complex systems throughout the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure itself is designed to perform heat dissipation functions through integrated radiating fins and exhaust ports, eliminating the need for separate active cooling systems while maintaining inkjet printing reliability
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 solution effectively suppresses temperature rises within the housing, preventing ink drying and inkjet head failures, thereby reducing print defects and increasing productivity by maintaining optimal temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conductive member that is in contact with the exhaust pipe and the heat source; transferring the heat generated by the heat source to the exhaust pipe through a heat conductive member that is arranged in contact with the exhaust pipe and the heat source
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a tablet printing apparatus includes: a conveyor configured to convey a tablet while sucking and holding the tablet by the discharge of air; an inkjet head configured to perform printing on the tablet conveyed by the conveyor; an exhaust pipe which the air discharged from the conveyor passes through; an exhaust blower as a heat source that generates heat; a heat conductive member that is in contact with the exhaust pipe and the exhaust blower; and a housing configured to house the conveyor, the inkjet head, the exhaust pipe, the exhaust blower, and the heat conductive member.