Fluorinated Polyether Intermediate Transfer Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intermediate transfer members in xerographic systems face issues such as brittleness, inadequate toner transfer, bioaccumulation of fluoro-containing components, charge exchange leading to image deterioration, and environmental concerns, along with requirements for durability, low surface energy, and minimal bioaccumulation.

Innovation Solution

Development of intermediate transfer members comprising a hydroxyl terminated poly(oxetane) based fluorinated polyether, crosslinked with aminoplast or melamine formaldehyde resins, which are free of bioaccumulation characteristics and provide excellent toner transfer and durability, using a supporting substrate layer with conductive components and optional catalysts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fluoro surface layers (PTFE, FEP, PFA) are used to achieve low surface energy properties, then toner transfer performance is improved, but bioaccumulation and environmental toxicity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner transfer performanceVSAvoidbioaccumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful perfluorinated components (PFOA, PFOS) from the polymer structure while retaining the beneficial low surface energy properties. This is achieved by using fluorinated polyether compounds that provide the desired surface properties without the bioaccumulative perfluorinated chains, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the functional benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the fluoropolymer by using fluorinated polyether compounds with specific molecular weight ranges (500-10,000) and controlled fluorine content (5-40 wt%). This parameter optimization allows achieving low surface energy for good toner transfer while avoiding the bioaccumulation characteristics of high molecular weight perfluorinated compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If intermediate transfer members are used in color xerographic systems, then image registration is improved, but charge exchange between toner and transfer member causes image deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage registrationVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a surface layer with specific electrostatic properties that are optimized for toner interaction. The fluorinated polyether surface layer provides localized charge control characteristics that minimize charge exchange during transfer, while the underlying support layer provides mechanical stability. This layered approach with differentiated local properties resolves the contradiction between registration precision and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-layer intermediate transfer members are used in high speed machines, then functional separation is achieved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated surface layer composition. The fluorinated polyether compound simultaneously provides low surface energy for toner transfer, appropriate electrostatic properties for charge management, and durability for high-speed operation. This consolidation of functions into one layer reduces structural complexity while maintaining functional separation benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If conventional fluoro polymers are used to achieve durability, then wear resistance is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material strategy by combining fluorinated polyether compounds with other compatible polymers and additives to achieve the desired wear resistance. The fluorinated polyether provides the durable fluorinated surface characteristics and wear resistance, while the composite formulation ensures environmental sustainability by excluding harmful perfluorinated substances. This composite approach maintains strength while improving environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10125218B2Intermediate transfer members

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 XEROX CORP

AI summary

An intermediate transfer member that includes a hydroxyl terminated poly(oxetane) based fluorinated polyether optionally crosslinked with an aminoplast resin.