Belt Unit Dynamic Viscoelasticity for Electrophotographic Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-term use of belts in electrophotographic image formation apparatuses degrades their reliability, leading to reduced durability and performance.
Innovation Solution
A belt unit with rolls rotatably supported and a belt that satisfies specific dynamic viscoelasticity conditions, including storage and loss elastic moduli within defined ranges, to enhance durability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional endless belt is used in electrophotographic image formation apparatus, then the belt can perform basic conveying and transfer functions, but the belt reliability degrades over long-term use due to contact with cleaning blades and operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise dynamic viscoelasticity parameters (storage elastic modulus G10 between 10-1000 MPa, loss elastic modulus L70 between 10-800 MPa, and their ratio G10/G70 between 0.1-3.1) to optimize the belt's mechanical properties. These parameter specifications ensure the belt maintains appropriate flexibility and strength characteristics that resist degradation from cleaning blade contact and operational stress, thereby improving reliability and extending lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by formulating the endless belt from specific polymer compositions including polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, or acrylic resins with controlled molecular structures and cross-linking densities. This composite material approach creates a belt structure that combines elasticity, abrasion resistance, and tensile strength, enabling the belt to withstand long-term operational conditions while maintaining reliability
2Strength
If the belt material is made more rigid to withstand cleaning blade contact, then durability against scratching improves, but the belt loses flexibility needed for proper tensioning and conforming to rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by defining specific ranges for storage elastic modulus (G10: 10-1000 MPa) and loss elastic modulus (L70: 10-800 MPa) that balance rigidity and flexibility. The ratio parameter G10/G70 (0.1-3.1) further refines this balance, ensuring the belt material has sufficient stiffness to resist scratching from cleaning blades while maintaining the flexibility required for proper tensioning and roller conformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by considering the time-dependent and frequency-dependent mechanical behavior of the belt material. The dynamic viscoelasticity parameters are measured at specific frequencies (0.01-100 Hz) and temperatures (10°C and 70°C) to capture the belt's response under varying operational conditions, allowing the material to dynamically adapt between rigid and flexible states as needed
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
The belt unit improves the long-term reliability and durability of the belt, preventing deterioration due to contact with cleaning blades and maintaining image quality, thereby extending the belt's lifespan and apparatus performance.
Implementation Method 1
In a dynamic viscoelasticity test with conditions of tensile load set in a frequency range of 0.01 to 100 [Hz], the belt unit satisfies the conditions 1≦G10/G70≦3.1, and L70≧10 [MPa]. A storage elastic modulus of the belt at a temperature of 10[° C.] is indicated by G10. A storage elastic modulus of the belt at a temperature of 70[° C.] is indicated by G70. A loss elastic modulus of the belt at a temperature of 70[° C.] is indicated by L70.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt unit includes rolls being rotatably supported and a belt to be conveyed by the rolls. In a dynamic viscoelasticity test with conditions of tensile load set in a frequency range of 0.01 to 100 [Hz], the belt unit satisfies 1≦G10/G70≦3.1, and L70≧10 [MPa]. A storage elastic modulus of the belt at a temperature of 10[° C.] is indicated by G10. A storage elastic modulus of the belt at a temperature of 70[° C.] is indicated by G70. A loss elastic modulus of the belt at a temperature of 70[° C.] is indicated by L70.