Extended Photodiode Imaging Surface Non-Ionizing Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing charging processes for photosensitive imaging surfaces in printers, such as Liquid Electrophotographic (LEP) printers, involve ionization that creates hazardous ozone and results in spatial instability and incomplete discharge, leading to image quality issues and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A photosensitive imaging surface with an extended photodiode structure is used, charged by an electric field applied through a conductive plate, allowing for non-ionizing charging and precise control of charge distribution, reducing ozone production and improving discharge completeness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If ionization charging process is used for photosensitive imaging surface, then charging can be achieved, but hazardous ozone is generated and spatial stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone generationVSAvoidspatial stability of charge distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental charging mechanism from ionization-based to direct electric field-based charging. By applying an electric field directly to the photodiode structure, charge carriers are generated and separated without ionization of air molecules, thereby eliminating ozone generation while achieving stable spatial charge distribution through controlled electric field application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the ionization-based charging mechanism with a direct electric field charging mechanism using photodiode structures. This substitution eliminates the harmful ionization process that generates ozone while maintaining effective charging functionality through photovoltaic effect and electric field control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If ionization charging process is used, then charging can be achieved, but discharge completeness deteriorates leading to image quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge completenessVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the charging mechanism to direct electric field charging through photodiode structures, which enables complete and uniform discharge when exposed to light. This eliminates the incomplete discharge problem of ionization charging, ensuring reliable image quality and consistent electrostatic pattern formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes ionization charging with photodiode-based electric field charging, which provides superior discharge completeness. The photodiode structure responds uniformly to light exposure, ensuring complete discharge in illuminated areas and maintaining high image quality without the defects associated with ionization methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional charging methods are used, then charging process can be maintained, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to ozone production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging process implementationVSAvoidozone production

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the charging process from ionization-based to direct electric field-based charging using photodiodes. This fundamental parameter change eliminates ozone production entirely while maintaining ease of implementation through standard photodiode structures and electric field application, making the process environmentally friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces ionization-based charging with photodiode-based electric field charging, substituting a harmful process with an environmentally benign one. The new method generates no ozone or other harmful byproducts, making the charging process environmentally friendly while remaining manufacturable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enhances image quality by minimizing charge variance and ozone generation, while providing a more environmentally friendly and stable charging process for the imaging surface.

Implementation Method 1

Photodiode structured photosensitive imaging surfaces... charged by an electric field applied through a conductive plate, allowing for non-ionizing charging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect