Dry Sheet Binding Agent Distribution for Heat Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dry sheet manufacturing processes face challenges in achieving sufficient rigidity, especially during high-temperature heat treatment, as the binding agents may detach or fail to provide adequate strength and resistance.

Innovation Solution

A sheet composition with a specific distribution of binding agents, where the abundance is higher at the center than on the surface, combined with a thermoplastic resin that softens at 200°C or lower, ensures strong fiber adhesion and resistance to heat, using a manufacturing apparatus that adjusts binding agent distribution and heat treatment to maintain sheet integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a dry process is used to manufacture sheets, then water usage is reduced, but the sheets lack sufficient rigidity during heat treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater usageVSAvoidsheet rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform distribution of binding agents within the sheet structure. The binding agent concentration varies through the thickness, with higher concentration at the center and lower at the surfaces, providing localized reinforcement where needed during heat treatment while maintaining overall dry process efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining fibers with thermoplastic binding agents in a controlled distribution pattern. This composite structure provides both the dry process manufacturing advantage and the necessary mechanical strength during heat treatment, resolving the contradiction between water reduction and rigidity maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If binding agents are used to hold fibers together, then sheet formation is achieved, but the binding agents detach during heat treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber adhesionVSAvoidbinding agent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the glass transition temperature and molecular weight of the thermoplastic binding agents. These parameter adjustments ensure the binding agents remain stable and adherent during heat treatment at specific temperatures, preventing detachment while maintaining fiber bonding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the highest binding agent concentration at the sheet center rather than at the surfaces. This inverted distribution pattern prevents binding agent detachment during heat treatment by providing a stable core structure that anchors the fiber matrix

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform binding agent distribution is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat treatment performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding agent distributionVSAvoidheat treatment resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by establishing a specific non-uniform binding agent distribution pattern where concentration varies through the sheet thickness. This provides optimal heat treatment performance with higher binding agent content at the center for thermal stability, while the manufacturing process remains controlled through defined concentration gradients

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 sheet exhibits improved rigidity and resistance to heat, reducing the likelihood of sticking to rollers and ensuring smooth passage through high-temperature processes, such as in laser printers, while maintaining strength and preventing static electricity.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoplastic resin that softens at 200°C or lower, ensures strong fiber adhesion and resistance to heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoplastic softening: Melting

Implementation Method 2

maintaining strength and preventing static electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic electricity prevention: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3587132B1Sheet, sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3587132B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587132B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3587132B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sheet for a laser printer includes a plurality of fibers, and a binding agent for binding the plurality of fibers, in which an abundance of the binding agent on a surface of the sheet is smaller than an abundance of the binding agent in a center in a thickness direction of the sheet.