Organic Photoconductor Protection Layer Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic photoconductors face issues with increased frictional resistance and abrasion over time, leading to poor cleaning properties and image defects, such as scratches and decreased sensitivity, due to mechanical stress during electrophotographic processes.
Innovation Solution
An organic photoconductor with a protection layer comprising a polymer composition formed through a curing reaction using a multifunctional spherical dendrimer, a first multifunctional acryl compound with a urethane bond, and a second multifunctional acryl compound containing silicon and fluorine groups, along with electrically conductive metal oxide particles, which reduces frictional resistance and enhances abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rubber hardness of the cleaning blade is increased and pressure on the contact surface is increased, then cleaning properties are improved, but frictional resistance between the photoconductor surface and cleaning blade increases causing reverse motion or abnormal squealing sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the photoconductor through a protection layer with specific frictional resistance characteristics. The protection layer is designed to maintain a frictional resistance of 0.3-0.7 after 1000 hours, preventing the time-dependent increase that would otherwise occur. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by enabling effective cleaning without excessive frictional resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite protection layer comprising a polymer matrix combined with inorganic particles (silica, alumina, or titanium oxide) having specific surface treatments. This composite structure provides both the necessary mechanical properties for cleaning and controlled frictional resistance, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and friction generation.
2Reliability
If the rubber hardness of the cleaning blade and pressure are increased to improve cleaning properties, then cleaning effectiveness is enhanced, but abrasion of the photoconductor surface occurs leading to scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a protection layer on the photoconductor surface before cleaning operations begin. This protection layer acts as a sacrificial barrier that absorbs the mechanical stress from cleaning blades, preventing direct abrasion of the underlying photoconductor layer. The layer is designed to maintain integrity while protecting the critical photoconductor surface from scratches.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite protection layer combines a polymer matrix with hard inorganic particles (silica, alumina, or titanium oxide) having specific surface treatments. This composite structure provides enhanced abrasion resistance while maintaining controlled frictional properties, allowing the surface to withstand cleaning operations without scratching the photoconductor underneath.
3Reliability
If a protection layer is added to improve abrasion resistance and suppress frictional resistance increase, then cleaning properties and image stability are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the thin film principle by creating a protection layer with controlled thickness of 1-10 micrometers. This thin film structure provides the necessary protective functions (friction control and abrasion resistance) while minimizing the addition of bulk material and structural complexity. The layer is thin enough to not significantly increase device dimensions or manufacturing complexity.
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 effectively suppresses the time-dependent increase in frictional resistance and improves abrasion resistance, resulting in stable image formation over a long period with reduced surface scratches and improved cleaning properties.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer composition is a product of a curing reaction with a multifunctional spherical dendrimer, a first multifunctional acryl compound having a urethane bond, and a second multifunctional acryl compound having a silicon-containing group and a fluorine-containing group
Data Source
AI summary
An organic photoconductor including an electrically conductive substrate, a photosensitive layer disposed on the electrically conductive substrate, and a protection layer disposed on the photosensitive layer, wherein the protection layer includes a polymer composition and a plurality of electrically conductive metal oxide particles, and wherein the polymer composition is a product of a curing reaction with a multifunctional spherical dendrimer, a first multifunctional acryl compound having a urethane bond, and a second multifunctional acryl compound having a silicon-containing group and a fluorine-containing group.