Electrophotographic Photoreceptor Protective Layer Solubility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrophotographic photoreceptors with protective layers containing electron-transporting compounds face issues with insufficient solubility in organic solvents and poor electrical properties, particularly residual potential and potential retention rates.

Innovation Solution

A novel electrophotographic photoreceptor with a protective layer containing an electron-transporting compound represented by a specific formula, which includes an electron-transporting skeleton, amide bond structure, and chain-polymerizable functional groups, enhancing solubility and electrical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a protective layer containing electron-transporting compound is formed on the photoreceptor, then the mechanical strength and abrasion resistance are improved, but the solubility in organic solvent becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidsolubility in organic solvent

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular structure of the electron-transporting compound by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) that enhance solubility in organic solvents while preserving the compound's electron-transporting capabilities and the protective layer's mechanical strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is formulated as a composite material containing both the electron-transporting compound with improved solubility and a binder resin, creating a synergistic combination that achieves both good solubility and mechanical strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a protective layer containing electron-transporting compound is formed on the photoreceptor, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the electrical properties (residual potential and potential retention rate) deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidelectrical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular structure of the electron-transporting compound by introducing specific functional groups that maintain electron-transporting activity while improving solubility, thereby achieving both good electrical properties and mechanical strength in the protective layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The protective layer is designed with specific compositional characteristics, including the use of electron-transporting compounds with particular functional groups and controlled content ratios, to achieve localized optimization of both electrical and mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If conventional electron-transporting compounds are used in the protective layer, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the solubility in organic solvent and electrical properties become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidsolubility in organic solvent

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically modifies the molecular parameters of conventional electron-transporting compounds by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) to enhance solubility in organic solvents while preserving electron-transporting properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses binder resins as intermediary materials that work synergistically with the modified electron-transporting compounds to achieve both good solubility in organic solvents and adequate mechanical strength in the protective layer

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 proposed solution improves the electron-transporting property and mechanical strength of the protective layer, achieving better residual potential and potential retention rates, and ensures sufficient solubility in organic solvents.

Implementation Method 1

a protective layer containing an electron-transporting compound... improves the electron-transporting property... achieving better residual potential and potential retention rates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a photoreceptor obtained by forming a layer containing a compound having a chain-polymerizable functional group as a binder resin on the outermost layer of the photoreceptor and applying energy such as heat, light and radiation to the layer to polymerize the compound to form a cured resin layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240345498A1Electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge, image formation device, coating liquid for forming electrophotographic photoreceptor protective layer, and compound

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP

AI summary

A novel compound having electron-transporting property which dissolves sufficiently in an organic solvent is provided.