Two-Stage Heating Device for Ink Fixation Without Transfer Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating devices for fabrics with printed images face inefficiencies in fixing images, as they either require longer drying times in non-contact states or risk transferring ink onto heating units in contact states, necessitating the use of transfer prevention sheets, which complicates the process.

Innovation Solution

A heating device with a vertical mover that transitions between non-contact and contact heating positions, using a controller to manage the heating unit's position and temperature to dry the ink without contact initially and then fix it in a contact state without ink transfer, eliminating the need for transfer prevention sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If heating is performed in non-contact state, then ink transfer onto heating unit is prevented, but drying time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink transferVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device dynamically transitions between non-contact and contact heating states. The receiver moves vertically to adjust the distance between the fabric and heating unit, switching from non-contact (for drying) to contact (for fixing), optimizing both ink transfer prevention and drying efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process is divided into periodic stages: first non-contact heating to dry the ink, then contact heating to fix the image. This periodic switching of heating modes resolves the contradiction by applying each mode at the appropriate stage of the drying and fixing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If heating is performed in contact state, then fixing efficiency is improved, but ink transfer onto heating unit occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing efficiencyVSAvoidink transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Non-contact heating is performed first to preliminarily dry the ink on the fabric before contact heating. This preliminary drying action removes the harmful ink transfer issue, allowing subsequent contact heating to proceed without contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process is segmented into two distinct phases: non-contact drying phase and contact fixing phase. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize its function without the negative effects of the other mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If transfer prevention sheets are used, then ink transfer is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink transferVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device itself provides the ink transfer prevention function through its vertical movement capability. The receiver automatically adjusts position to create non-contact heating condition during drying, eliminating the need for external transfer prevention sheets or additional protective components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical mover acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the distance between fabric and heating unit. By mediating this spatial relationship, it prevents ink transfer without requiring physical barrier materials or complex additional systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances operational efficiency by reducing fixing time and simplifying the process, ensuring effective ink fixation without ink transfer onto the heating unit.

Implementation Method 1

causes the heating unit to heat the heating target object in a non-contact state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

causes the heating unit to heat the heating target object in a contact state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11565535B2Heating device and heating method

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A heating device includes a holder, a receiver, a heating unit, a vertical mover, and circuitry. The holder holds a heating target object. The receiver removably holds the holder. The heating unit heats the heating target object. The vertical mover moves at least one of the receiver and the heating unit vertically relative to each other, between a non-contact heating position and a contact heating position. The circuitry causes the vertical mover to move the at least one of the receiver and the heating unit to the non-contact position, causes the heating unit to heat the heating target object in a non-contact state, causes the vertical mover to move the at least one of the receiver and the heating unit to the contact heating position, and causes the heating unit to heat the heating target object in a contact state.