Netlike Grid Electrode Positioning for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dischargers in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face issues with charging failures due to the rigidity and positioning accuracy of grid electrodes, particularly when thick end portions are used to fix the grid electrode's position, leading to misalignment and uneven charging.
Innovation Solution
A discharger design incorporating a first electrode, a second netlike electrode with multiple openings, a tensioning member, a protrusion, and a pressing member to maintain the grid electrode's rigidity and accuracy, with the protrusion and pressing member ensuring precise positioning without direct contact, thereby reducing charging failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the grid electrode has thick end portions to fix its position, then the positioning is more stable, but the rigidity of the netlike portion decreases and charging failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The grid electrode is divided into functionally distinct segments: thick end portions for positioning stability and a thin netlike portion for charging function. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the end portions provide mechanical stability while the netlike portion maintains rigidity for effective charging, resolving the contradiction between positioning stability and charging rigidity.
2Productivity
If the grid electrode is bent to follow the photoconductor drum shape, then the discharge efficiency improves, but the positioning accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid electrode is pre-formed with a curved shape that matches the photoconductor drum's profile before installation. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the electrode is mounted, it naturally conforms to the drum surface, maintaining both discharge efficiency through close contact and positioning accuracy through the pre-defined geometric relationship.
3Productivity
If the netlike portion is made thin to improve charging function, then the charging efficiency improves, but the rigidity decreases causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The grid electrode exhibits local quality variation with different thickness characteristics in different regions. The end portions are made thick for structural support and positioning, while the netlike portion is made thin for optimal charging function. This local differentiation allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve high charging efficiency and sufficient rigidity where needed.
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 enhances the rigidity of the grid electrode and improves positioning accuracy, reducing charging failures and maintaining efficient discharge efficiency by preventing distortion and misalignment with the photoconductor drum.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode... a second electrode... through which electric charges discharged from the first electrode pass... to eliminate static from the image carrier member
Data Source
AI summary
A discharger includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a tensioning member, a protrusion, and a pressing member. The first electrode extends in a longitudinal direction. The second electrode is disposed between the first electrode and an image carrier member, and includes a netlike portion including multiple openings through which electric charges discharged from the first electrode pass. The tensioning member supports the second electrode while exerting a tension on the second electrode in the longitudinal direction. The protrusion is disposed on the second electrode on an outer side of the netlike portion in the longitudinal direction. The protrusion protrudes beyond the netlike portion in a thickness direction of the second electrode. The pressing member presses the second electrode in the thickness direction. The pressing member is noncontact with the protrusion.