Ribbed Shield and Grid Electrodes for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the weight of the process cartridge in image forming apparatuses while maintaining the strength of the counter electrodes, as reducing the thickness of the grid and shield electrodes leads to deflective deformation and contact issues.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves forming ribs on the shield and grid electrodes, which increases their strength without compromising their thickness, ensuring stable charging and preventing electric charge escape, thus maintaining uniform charging and preventing contact with the photosensitive drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the grid electrode and shield electrodes is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight of the process cartridge is reduced, but the strength of the electrodes decreases causing deflective deformation and contact issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ribs extending in the thickness direction (third dimension) of the electrodes. These ribs increase the structural strength and rigidity of the thin electrodes without increasing their planar dimensions or overall thickness, thus preventing deflective deformation while maintaining weight reduction goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are segmented into multiple regions by introducing ribs that divide the electrode structure. This segmentation creates multiple support sections that collectively enhance the overall strength and stiffness of the electrode assembly without requiring increased material thickness.
2Weight of moving object
If the thickness of the grid electrode and shield electrodes is reduced, then the weight of the process cartridge is reduced, but the electrodes may come into contact with the photosensitive drum due to insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
By adding ribs in the thickness direction, the patent enhances the electrodes' resistance to bending and deflection. This dimensional addition provides structural support that prevents the electrodes from sagging or contacting the photosensitive drum, ensuring reliable positioning despite reduced thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure combines thin conductive material with ribbed support structures, creating a composite configuration that maintains electrical functionality while providing mechanical stability. The ribs act as structural reinforcement within the overall electrode assembly.
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 allows for weight reduction of the charging unit while ensuring the strength of the counter electrodes, preventing deflective deformation and maintaining uniform charging, thereby enhancing image quality and preventing print failures.
Implementation Method 1
When a high voltage is applied to the discharge wire, corona discharge occurs from the discharge wire.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging and/or discharging unit for an image formation device may include a discharge wire extending in a lateral direction (a second direction) perpendicular to a first direction, the first direction corresponding to a moving direction of the surface of a photosensitive drum and parallel to the surface of the photosensitive drum. The discharge wire may be distanced from the surface of the photosensitive drum. Shield electrodes and a grid electrode are opposed to the discharge wire, with a distance therefrom and extending along the lateral direction. The shield electrodes and the grid electrode may include ribs extending in the lateral direction, respectively. In one or more examples, the ribs may correspond to recessed portions in a surface of the corresponding electrodes and may be located out of a specified circular area.