Fixing Belt Thermal Conductivity via Carbon Particle Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing belt members in image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high thermal conductivity and low frictional resistance, with existing solutions either compromising on thermal conductivity or experiencing high frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing belt member with a base layer composed of a polyimide-based resin composition and incorporating acetylene black or graphitized carbon black particles, which enhances thermal conductivity while reducing the frictional resistance of the inner surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If graphite or carbon black other than acetylene black and graphitized carbon black is incorporated into the base layer, then thermal conductivity is improved, but frictional resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle type parameter from conventional graphite or carbon black to specifically acetylene black or graphitized carbon black particles. This parameter change achieves a unique balance where the base layer attains high thermal conductivity (0.33 W/(m·K) or more) while maintaining low frictional resistance (220 gf or less) on the inner surface, resolving the technical contradiction between thermal conductivity and frictional resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite base layer material combining polyimide-based resin with specific carbon particles (acetylene black or graphitized carbon black). This composite structure achieves synergistic effects where the carbon particles provide thermal conductivity enhancement without the excessive frictional resistance associated with conventional carbon additives, simultaneously satisfying both thermal and frictional requirements.
2Temperature
If conventional carbon particles are used to enhance thermal conductivity, then heat conduction improves, but slidability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the carbon particle parameter from conventional types to acetylene black or graphitized carbon black with specific properties. This parameter change enables the base layer to achieve high thermal conductivity (0.33 W/(m·K) or more) while maintaining excellent slidability through the unique surface characteristics of these specific carbon particles, resolving the contradiction between heat conduction and slidability.
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 achieves a high thermal conductivity of 0.33 W/(m·K) or more and a low frictional force of 220 gf or less, improving both thermal conduction and slidability of the fixing belt member.
Implementation Method 1
a base layer containing a polyimide-based resin composition and at least one type of particles selected from the group consisting of acetylene black particles and graphitized carbon black particles
Implementation Method 2
having an inner surface where frictional resistance is smaller than that of a fixing belt member containing in its base layer graphite or carbon black other than acetylene black and graphitized carbon black
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing belt member includes a base layer. The base layer contains a polyimide-based resin composition and at least one type of particles selected from the group consisting of acetylene black particles and graphitized carbon black particles.