Photoconductor Drum Area Segmentation for Misregistration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately controlling image formation conditions due to the overlap of critical patches and bands on the photoconductor drum, leading to potential sensitivity reduction and misregistration issues.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes distinct areas on the photoconductor drum for forming and detecting images, with separate patches for color-misregistration detection and potential control, and a band for blade protection, positioned at different axial ends to prevent overlap and maintain sensitivity, allowing for precise control of image formation conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If patches and bands are formed on the photoconductor drum surface, then image formation control and blade protection are achieved, but sensitivity reduction and misregistration issues occur due to overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation controlVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The photoconductor drum surface is segmented into distinct functional areas: an image area for forming transfer-object images, a first area for forming detectable first images (patches) used in controlling image formation conditions, and a second area for forming second images (bands) for blade protection. This spatial segmentation prevents overlap between different functional elements, ensuring that detection accuracy is maintained while achieving reliable image formation control and blade protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If patches are used for color-misregistration detection and potential control, then image formation accuracy is improved, but sensitivity reduction occurs due to adhesion and removal issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation accuracyVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different areas of the photoconductor drum are assigned different local qualities and functions. The first area is specifically designed for forming patches with properties suitable for color-misregistration detection and potential control, while the image area maintains properties optimized for high-sensitivity image formation. This local differentiation ensures that patches provide accurate formation control without compromising the sensitivity of the main image area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functional areas are provided on the photoconductor drum, then image formation control and blade protection are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoiddrum structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photoconductor drum is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs image formation, patch formation for detection, and band formation for blade protection. By integrating multiple functions into a single drum structure with distinct areas, the invention achieves high adaptability and versatility without requiring separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of image formation by preventing adhesion and removal issues, ensuring consistent charging and exposure potentials across the drum, thereby improving image quality and reducing misregistration.

Implementation Method 1

a forming unit that forms a transfer-object image in the image area of the photosensitive member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the transfer-object image being transferred to a transfer area of continuous-form paper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic Deposition: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS9835999B2Image forming apparatus including forming unit capable of forming transfer-object image and patch image

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member having first and second areas at different positions at an axial end of the photosensitive member, the first and second areas not overlapping an image area in an axial direction of the photosensitive member; a detecting unit that detects an image; and a forming unit that forms a transfer-object image in the image area, the transfer-object image being transferred to a transfer area of continuous-form paper, the forming unit further forming first and second images in the first and second areas of the photosensitive member, respectively, the first image not being transferred to the transfer area but being detected by the detecting unit for use in an operation of controlling conditions for image formation, the second image not being transferred to the transfer area and not being used in the operation of controlling the conditions for image formation.