Thermosetting Polyimide Intermediate Transfer Belt Self-Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediate transfer components in electrostatographic reproducing apparatuses are costly to produce and may compromise the integrity of the final product due to the need for release layers and subsequent treatments to prevent adhesion, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate transfer belt comprising a thermosetting polyimide formed from the reaction product of polyamic acid and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, which self-releases from the substrate without additional treatments, reducing production costs and enhancing the integrity of the final product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a release layer is applied to the substrate before applying the polymeric solution, then the cured coating can be released from the substrate, but the production cost increases and the product integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the release layer from the manufacturing process entirely. The polyimide coating is formulated to self-release from the substrate through chemical treatment after curing, eliminating the need for a separate release layer and its associated costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyimide coating performs the release function itself through self-release properties. After curing, the coating can be chemically treated to promote automatic release from the substrate without requiring an external release layer or additional manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the coated substrate is treated after curing to promote release, then the coating can be released from the substrate, but the production process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complexity of post-curing treatment processes by removing the release layer requirement. The formulation allows for simple chemical treatment after curing to achieve release, reducing the overall process complexity compared to traditional release layer methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If a release layer is applied to prevent adhesion, then the coating can be removed from the substrate, but the integrity of the final product may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The polyimide coating maintains strong adhesion to itself (self-service) while enabling controlled release from the substrate. The crosslinked network structure ensures the coating remains intact and cohesive during the release process, preserving product integrity without requiring a release layer.
4Ease of manufacture
If additional treatments are applied to the coated substrate, then release from substrate is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for expensive release layers and multiple treatment steps. Only a simple chemical treatment after curing is required to achieve release, significantly reducing material and processing costs compared to traditional methods.
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 thermosetting polyimide intermediate transfer belt achieves self-release properties, optimizing toner transfer and cleaning while maintaining product integrity, and exhibits high elastic modulus for improved stretch registration and transfer performance.
Implementation Method 1
the coated substrate can be treated after curing (e.g., immersed in water) to promote release from the substrate
Implementation Method 2
exhibits high elastic modulus for improved stretch registration and transfer performance
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments provide an intermediate transfer belt, materials and processes for producing an intermediate transfer belt, and an image transfer apparatus used in electrophotographic printing devices, wherein the intermediate transfer belt can comprise a thermosetting polyimide comprising the reaction product of a polyamic acid and a hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene.