Polyurethane Cleaning Blade Tip Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The service life of cleaning blades in image-forming devices is short due to inadequate wear resistance, limiting the overall service life of the device.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning blade with a tip end formed of polyurethane, characterized by a tan δ of greater than or equal to 0.35, a loss elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 5.59 MPa, and a rebound resilience of less than or equal to 21% at 23°C, enhancing wear resistance and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning blade is formed of conventional thermosetting polyurethane resin or elastomer, then the blade can remove toner from the photoconductor drum, but the service life is short due to inadequate wear resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the tan δ (viscoelasticity ratio) to be 0.35 or more, the loss elastic modulus to be 5.59 MPa or more, and the rebound resilience to be 21% or less. These specific parameter ranges optimize the material's wear resistance while maintaining cleaning effectiveness, directly resolving the contradiction between service life and wear resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyurethane with specific additives and fillers to achieve the target mechanical properties. The composite formulation includes polyurethane base resin, extenders, crosslinking agents, and wear-resistant fillers, creating a material that simultaneously provides elasticity for toner removal and enhanced wear resistance for prolonged service life.
2Ease of operation
If the cleaning blade has high elasticity for moderate deformation, then it can effectively contact and clean the photoconductor surface, but the wear resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the material parameters to achieve a tan δ of 0.35 or more (indicating appropriate viscoelasticity for deformation) while simultaneously achieving a rebound resilience of 21% or less (indicating reduced elastic recovery that minimizes wear). This parameter optimization allows the blade to deform adequately for cleaning while resisting wear during operation.
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 improved wear resistance of the cleaning blade tip end extends the service life of the cleaning blade, maintaining effective performance in removing toner from photoconductor drums.
Implementation Method 1
The tip end is formed of polyurethane having tan δ of greater than or equal to 0.35 under an environment of 23° C., a loss elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 5.59 MPa under an environment of 23° C., and a rebound resilience of less than or equal to 21% under an environment of 23° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning blade includes a tip end adapted to contact a photoconductor member. The tip end is formed of polyurethane having tan δ of greater than or equal to 0.35 under an environment of 23° C., a loss elastic modulus of greater than or equal to 5.59 MPa under an environment of 23° C., and a rebound resilience of less than or equal to 21% under an environment of 23° C.