Automated Cleaning of Charging and Patterning Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual cleaning of patterning devices in electrostatic printing devices is expensive, inconsistent, and often not performed when needed, leading to inconsistent image quality due to contamination and debris accumulation.

Innovation Solution

An automated cleaning device that simultaneously cleans both the charging device and the patterning device, utilizing a brush or rotating fibrous surface to remove debris, ensuring consistent cleaning and improved reliability by integrating the cleaning process with the existing scorotron autocleaner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning of patterning devices is performed, then cleaning can be done, but it is expensive, inconsistent, and often not performed when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning consistencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device automatically cleans the patterning device without requiring manual intervention. The system uses a cleaning blade that is automatically positioned and operated to remove debris from the patterning device surface, making the cleaning process self-service and eliminating the need for expensive and inconsistent manual cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated mechanical cleaning system. The cleaning device uses a motorized or spring-loaded mechanism to position and operate the cleaning blade, substituting human manual labor with an automated mechanical system that provides consistent and reliable cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If separate cleaning devices are used for charging device and patterning device, then each can be cleaned individually, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidnumber of cleaning devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cleaning functions for both the charging device and patterning device into a single integrated cleaning device. The cleaning assembly includes components that can clean both surfaces sequentially or simultaneously, reducing the total number of cleaning devices needed while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage for both components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is designed with multi-functionality to perform cleaning operations on both the charging device and patterning device. The system includes adjustable cleaning elements and positioning mechanisms that allow the same device to adapt to and clean different surfaces, providing universal cleaning capability without requiring separate specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures consistent high image quality by automating the cleaning of patterning devices, reducing costs, and increasing reliability by integrating the cleaning process with the charging device maintenance, thereby maintaining high image quality and reducing manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a brush or rotating fibrous surface to remove debris

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8340546B2Dual function charging device and charge patterning device cleaner

Publication Date: 2012.12.25 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes a charging device and a photoreceptor adjacent the charging device. The charging device transfers a charge to the photoreceptor. Also, a charge patterning device is adjacent the photoreceptor. The patterning device patterns the charge on the photoreceptor to form a latent image charge. Additionally, an automated cleaning device is adjacent the charging device. The charge patterning device periodically moves by the charging device and the charge patterning device to simultaneously clean the charging device and the charge patterning device.