Centrally Aligned Short Protective Sheets for Photosensitive Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members are susceptible to damage during storage and conveyance due to contact with protective sheets that can bend and cause pressure or contamination on their outer surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A protective sheet is designed with a length less than the electrophotographic photosensitive member, aligned centrally, and fixed with adhesive tape to prevent bending, while an accommodation container supports the ends to prevent contact with the member during conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective sheet is used to cover the electrophotographic photosensitive member, then protection during storage and conveyance is improved, but bending and contact with the member cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheet is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. It is intentionally made shorter than the photosensitive member so that it can be easily removed without causing damage, and its limited lifespan (single-use) eliminates the risk of it becoming a harmful element during prolonged storage
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheet is extracted from the photosensitive member after installation. By making the protective sheet shorter than the member, the patent enables easy separation and removal of the protective sheet, preventing it from causing bending or contact damage during long-term storage
2Area of stationary object
If the protective sheet length is increased to cover the entire member, then coverage protection is improved, but bending and contact damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheet provides localized protection only at the critical installation interface rather than covering the entire photosensitive member. This selective coverage protects where needed (during installation and initial positioning) while eliminating excess material that could cause bending or contact damage
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheet is designed as a short-lived, single-use component with limited length. Its disposable nature and restricted dimensions prevent it from becoming a source of damage, as it is removed after serving its protective function during installation
3Reliability
If the protective sheet is fixed tightly to prevent movement, then protection during conveyance is improved, but bending and contact damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheet is designed as a temporary, single-use protective element that is discarded after installation. Its limited lifespan means it does not remain in contact with the photosensitive member long enough to cause bending or contact damage, eliminating the need for tight fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheet is easily extracted from the photosensitive member after installation due to its shorter length. This easy removal capability allows the protective sheet to be discarded before it can cause bending or contact damage, making tight fixation unnecessary
Data Source
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AI summary
A packaged object (100) includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member (11) and a protective sheet (13). The electrophotographic photosensitive member (11) is formed in a cylindrical shape. The protective sheet (13) covers at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (11) so that a center position C2 in an axis line direction D is aligned with a center position C1 of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (11) in the axis line direction D. Provided that a length of the electrophotographic photosensitive member (11) in the axis line direction D is denoted by L1 (mm) and a length of the protective sheet (13) in the axis line direction D is denoted by L2 (mm), a relationship expressed by Expression (1) below is established L2<L1