Electrophotographic Transfer Bias Control for Embossed Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotography image forming apparatuses struggle to evenly transfer toner onto surfaces with low smoothness, such as embossed paper, resulting in white spots and failure to utilize the texture of the transfer target due to inadequate toner adhesion adjustment between ridge and valley portions.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an adjusting unit that sets a ratio of toner transfer ratios between valley and ridge portions, allowing users to adjust the transfer conditions based on this ratio to achieve desired texture, using a combination of direct-current and alternating-current transfer biases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrophotography image forming apparatuses are used for printing on embossed paper with low surface smoothness, then printing capability on various media is improved, but toner transfer uniformity deteriorates resulting in white spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer bias adjustable and variable. The transfer bias is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter that can be modified based on the surface properties of the transfer target. This allows the system to adapt to different media types (smooth vs. embossed paper) by changing the electrical conditions during transfer, thereby maintaining both versatility and transfer uniformity across different substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the transfer bias voltage parameters. Specifically, it introduces a ratio parameter (A/B) representing the relationship between toner transfer to valley portions versus ridge portions. By adjusting this ratio parameter, the system can control toner distribution on embossed surfaces, transforming the fixed transfer condition into a可调 parameter that optimizes both adaptability and precision for different media types.
2Reliability
If transfer bias is increased to improve toner transfer to valley portions, then toner transfer completeness is improved, but toner adhesion control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different toner adhesion characteristics for different regions of the transfer target. It intentionally creates variation in toner adhesion between valley portions and ridge portions through adjustable transfer bias. This allows localized control where valley portions can receive enhanced toner transfer (improving completeness) while ridge portions maintain appropriate adhesion levels, thereby achieving both reliability and precision through spatially differentiated treatment.
3Device complexity
If conventional transfer methods are used, then device complexity is kept simple, but texture utilization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains device simplicity while gaining texture utilization capability through parameter changes. Instead of adding complex mechanical structures, it introduces adjustable electrical parameters (transfer bias voltage and the A/B ratio) that can be modified through software or control circuits. This allows the existing transfer mechanism to adapt to different surface textures by changing electrical conditions, achieving enhanced versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables effective toner transfer onto low surface smoothness media without losing intended texture, allowing for varied toner adhesion amounts on embossed surfaces, thereby enhancing image quality and texture utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the image carrier to a transfer target having ridges and valleys on a surface of the transfer target
Implementation Method 2
an adjusting unit that adjusts a ratio of A/B, where A is a transfer ratio [%] from the image carrier to a valley portion of the transfer target while B is a transfer ratio [%] from the image carrier to a ridge portion of the transfer target
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a toner image forming unit that forms a toner image on the image carrier; a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the image carrier to a transfer target having ridges and valleys on a surface thereof; an adjusting unit that adjusts a ratio of A/B, where A is a transfer ratio [%] from the image carrier to a valley portion of the transfer target while B is a transfer ratio [%] from the image carrier to a ridge portion of the transfer target, based on an adjustment input by a user; and a control unit that controls a transfer condition of the transfer unit based on the ratio of A/B adjusted by the adjusting unit.