Phosphate Ester Polyimide Intermediate Transfer Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate transfer members in electrostatographic printing face issues with nonuniform resistivity, mechanical strength, and manufacturing complexity due to the use of conductive fillers like carbon black, which can cause imperfections and require labor-intensive puzzle cut seam assembly and high humidity conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A phosphate ester modified polyimide intermediate transfer member is developed, comprising a mixture of a conductive component like carbon black and the reaction product of a phosphate ester and a polyamic acid, which provides self-releasing characteristics from a metal substrate, improved conductivity, and enhanced mechanical properties, allowing for a weldable seam and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive fillers like carbon black are used in intermediate transfer members, then electrical conductivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase due to puzzle cut seam requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the puzzle cut seam assembly step from the manufacturing process by implementing a weldable seam design. The intermediate transfer member is constructed to allow continuous welding of the belt seam, eliminating the need for complex puzzle-cut assembly and high humidity conditioning that were previously required for conductive intermediate transfer members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material composition and construction of the intermediate transfer member to enable weldable seams. By changing the polymer matrix composition and conductive filler distribution, the material becomes suitable for welding processes, transforming the seam joining method from mechanical assembly to thermal fusion.
2Reliability
If conductive fillers are used to achieve uniform resistivity, then electrical properties improve, but mechanical imperfections and coating defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix combined with conductive fillers distributed throughout the coating. This composite structure allows the conductive properties to be integrated within the coating matrix itself, ensuring uniform resistivity without requiring separate conductive layers that could introduce coating defects and mechanical imperfections.
3Reliability
If puzzle cut seam assembly is used for intermediate transfer members, then conductivity can be maintained, but labor intensity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical puzzle cut seam assembly process with a weldable seam joining method. Instead of manually or mechanically assembling pre-cut sections, the continuous belt is welded directly, substituting a simpler, more automated process that maintains conductivity while significantly reducing labor intensity and manufacturing time.
4Reliability
If high humidity conditioning is applied to puzzle cut seam members, then conductivity is stabilized, but manufacturing complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the high humidity conditioning step from the manufacturing process by designing a weldable seam construction that inherently maintains conductivity stability. The weldable seam design allows for continuous production without requiring subsequent humidity treatment, removing this complex processing step while preserving the electrical properties of the intermediate transfer member.
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 high transfer efficiency, minimal resolution issues, and excellent wear and abrasion resistance, with the phosphate ester modified polyimide self-releasing from the substrate without tools, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining mechanical and electrical properties.
Implementation Method 1
the reaction product of a phosphate ester and a polyamic acid (polyimide precursor) to form a phosphate modified polyimide
Implementation Method 2
a substrate comprising a mixture of a conductive component like carbon black
Implementation Method 3
coating of the phosphate ester modified polyimide after being applied to a substrate, such as a metal substrate, possesses self release characteristics from the metal substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a modified phosphate ester polyimide and a conductive component, like carbon black.