Graphite-Exposed Sliding Layer for Abrasion and Static Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding members in image fixing devices face challenges with abrasion resistance and electrostatic offset due to the use of fluororesins, which are being regulated for ecological and human toxicity, necessitating a replacement material.

Innovation Solution

A sliding member with a sliding layer containing a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin and exposed graphite particles, where the graphite particles have an average diameter of 0.1 μm to 15 μm, enhancing abrasion resistance and conductivity to prevent electrostatic offset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluororesin is used in the sliding member, then the sliding surface has good abrasion resistance and low friction, but it causes ecological and human toxicity issues and is being regulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidecological and human toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters by replacing fluororesin with a composite material consisting of heat-resistant thermoplastic resin and graphite particles. The graphite particles have specific size parameters (0.1 μm to 15 μm) that optimize both abrasion resistance and conductivity, achieving the desired performance without toxic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material structure where heat-resistant thermoplastic resin serves as the base material and graphite particles are dispersed within it. This composite provides both the mechanical properties (abrasion resistance) and electrical properties (conductivity) needed to replace fluororesin in sliding members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If conventional sliding materials are used, then the structure is simple, but electrostatic offset occurs due to insufficient conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial compositionVSAvoidelectrostatic offset

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter by incorporating graphite particles with specific size ranges (0.1 μm to 15 μm) into the thermoplastic resin. This parameter change enables the material to dissipate static electricity effectively, preventing electrostatic offset while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The graphite particles act as an intermediary substance that facilitates charge dissipation. They mediate between the insulating thermoplastic resin and the sliding surface, providing a conductive pathway that prevents electrostatic accumulation without complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides improved abrasion resistance and effectively suppresses electrostatic offset, ensuring reliable operation of image fixing devices.

Implementation Method 1

graphite particles are exposed on a sliding surface... suppresses occurrence of an electrostatic offset

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

graphite particles are exposed on a sliding surface... excellent abrasion resistance of a sliding surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20260056493A1Sliding member, image fixing device, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A sliding member includes a sliding layer that contains a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin other than a fluororesin and graphite particles, in which the graphite particles are exposed on a sliding surface, and an average diameter of exposed portions of the graphite particles is 0.1 μm or more and 15 μm or less.