Tube Heating Pressing Unit for Print Medium Heat Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently applying heat to tube-shaped print media due to air gaps between heaters and the media, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus is designed with a tube heating unit that includes a metal member heated by a heat generation body and a pressing unit to press the tube-shaped print medium against the metal member, ensuring direct contact and efficient heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a pipe-shaped heater is arranged in the conveyance path to heat the tube-shaped print medium, then the temperature of the print medium is maintained and deformability is improved, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to air gaps between the heater and the medium

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of tube-shaped print mediumVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A pressing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the heater and the tube-shaped print medium. The pressing member directly contacts both the heater surface and the print medium, eliminating air gaps and serving as a thermal conductor to transfer heat efficiently from the heater to the medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional air-based heat transfer mechanism with direct mechanical contact through the pressing member. This mechanical substitution ensures continuous thermal contact and eliminates the inefficiencies of heat transfer through air gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If a pipe-shaped heater is used to heat the tube-shaped print medium, then temperature maintenance is achieved, but electric power consumption increases due to reduced heat transfer efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of tube-shaped print mediumVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member acts as a thermal intermediary that directly transmits heat from the heater to the print medium, eliminating energy losses through air gaps and reducing the overall power consumption required to maintain the desired temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal contact parameter from indirect (air-gap) to direct (solid-contact) by introducing the pressing member, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing the energy input needed to achieve the same heating effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the tube-shaped print medium is not heated, then the structure remains simple, but the medium becomes stiff and无法正常 printing occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of heating systemVSAvoidprinting performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member serves multiple functions: it applies mechanical pressure to the print medium for proper contact with the print head, and simultaneously acts as a thermal conductor to transfer heat from the heater. This multi-functionality achieves reliable printing performance without adding excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the pressing function and heating function into a single integrated component (the pressing member). This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate pressing and heating mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring reliable printing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for efficient heat application to the tube-shaped print medium, reducing the need for excessive power consumption and ensuring proper deformation and contact with the print head for effective printing.

Implementation Method 1

a heater unit arranged on an upstream side relative to the print head in the conveyance direction and configured to include a metal member and a heat generation body for heating the metal member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a pressing unit configured to press the tube-shaped print medium toward the metal member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12319075B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 CANON FINETECH NISCA INC

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a tube-shaped print medium; a print head configured to perform printing on the tube-shaped print medium that is conveyed by the conveyance unit in a conveyance direction; a heater unit arranged on an upstream side relative to the print head in the conveyance direction and configured to include a metal member and a heat generation body for heating on the metal member; and a pressing unit configured to press the tube-shaped print medium toward the metal member.