Developer Supporting Member Corona Resistivity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses experience surface potential differences in the developing roller, leading to density variances and idle lateral bands when not in use for extended periods due to external moisture, causing image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A developer supporting member with a specific corona discharge resistivity is integrated into the developing roller, allowing easy movement of surface charges to prevent potential differences and thus preventing idle lateral bands by maintaining consistent surface potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the developing roller uses conventional materials with small compressive permanent strain, then the nip imprint is difficult to form under pressing, but surface potential differences occur after extended inactivity leading to idle lateral bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (corona discharge resistivity) of the elastic layer from conventional values to a specific range (7.50 to 8.50 logΩ), which enables the material to maintain uniform surface potential even after extended inactivity, thereby preventing idle lateral bands while preserving structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by incorporating conductive agents (carbon black, graphite, metal powders, or conductive fillers) into the elastic layer material (urethane rubber, NBR, EPDM, or silicone rubber), forming a new composite material with optimized electrical properties that prevents surface potential differentiation
2Productivity
If the developing roller operates normally, then image development is performed, but after stopping for long periods surface potential decreases due to external moisture causing density variance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of external moisture that causes surface potential decrease into a beneficial outcome by using corona discharge resistivity control to enable uniform charge distribution, where the same moisture exposure that previously caused idle lateral bands now maintains uniform potential across the roller surface
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer with specific corona discharge resistivity performs self-regulation of surface potential distribution, automatically maintaining uniformity without requiring external intervention or control systems, even when exposed to varying environmental conditions including moisture
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 solution effectively prevents idle lateral bands and maintains image quality by ensuring consistent surface potential of the developing roller even after extended periods of inactivity, improving the reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting layer has a corona discharge resistivity of a specific value
Data Source
AI summary
A developer supporting member includes a supporting layer for supporting developer. The supporting layer has a corona discharge resistivity of a specific value. The supporting layer is formed of an elastic layer and a surface layer. The surface layer includes a surface treated with a urethane solution.