Stretchable Membrane Cooling for Photoconductor Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control units for electrophotographic photoconductors face challenges in uniformly and efficiently cooling cylindrical substrates during UV radiation, leading to increased temperature and potential deterioration of electrical characteristics, while also causing abrasion and scratches due to direct contact with cooling media, resulting in reduced lifespan and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control unit featuring a stretchable membrane member detachably disposed within the cylindrical substrate, which expands to contact the inner wall and introduces a refrigerant for heat transfer, allowing for controlled surface temperature management and rotation of the substrate, thereby preventing excessive temperature rise and maintaining abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cylindrical substrate is exposed to UV light for crosslinking, then the abrasion resistance is improved, but the temperature of the substrate increases extremely
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling medium is introduced as an intermediary between the UV light source and the cylindrical substrate. The cooling medium absorbs excess heat from the substrate during UV exposure, preventing extreme temperature increases while allowing the crosslinking reaction to proceed. This mediator resolves the contradiction by separating the thermal management function from the curing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling medium utilizes phase transition (liquid to gas or vice versa) to absorb and dissipate heat efficiently during UV exposure. By controlling the phase change of the cooling medium, the substrate temperature is regulated within appropriate ranges, enabling crosslinking without excessive heat accumulation.
2Temperature
If a cooling medium is directly contacted with the substrate surface for temperature control, then the temperature is controlled, but abrasion and scratches occur reducing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling medium is introduced as an intermediary between the UV light source and the cylindrical substrate. The cooling medium absorbs excess heat from the substrate during UV exposure, preventing extreme temperature increases while allowing the crosslinking reaction to proceed. This mediator resolves the contradiction by separating the thermal management function from the curing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin film or shell structure for the cooling medium that contacts the substrate surface. This flexible thin film provides thermal management while minimizing mechanical damage compared to rigid cooling systems, reducing abrasion and scratches on the photoconductor surface.
3Speed
If the diameter of the photoconductor is downsized for high-speed operation, then the image forming speed is improved, but the abrasion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the cooling medium during UV crosslinking to enhance the durability of the photoconductor surface. By controlling the phase change process, a more robust crosslinked structure is formed that improves abrasion resistance, compensating for the increased wear from smaller diameter and higher speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the photoconductor layers, particularly in the charge transporting layer and surface layer. By combining materials with different properties, the photoconductor achieves both the mechanical strength needed for high-speed operation and the electrical properties required for image forming, while the crosslinked surface provides enhanced abrasion resistance.
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 solution effectively suppresses temperature increases, enhances abrasion and scratch resistance, and stabilizes static characteristics of the electrophotographic photoconductor, ensuring prolonged lifespan and improved image quality by providing uniform and efficient cooling without direct contact with the cooling medium.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane member is configured to make a heat transfer between a surface of the cylindrical substrate and the refrigerant introduced in the hollow space of the cylindrical substrate via the membrane member closely contacted with the inner surface of the cylindrical substrate
Implementation Method 2
the membrane member is configured to sequentially stretch until reaching the deepest part of the hollow space of the cylindrical substrate as a result of an introduction of a refrigerant therein so as to closely contact with an entire inner wall of the cylindrical substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a temperature control unit for an electrophotographic photoconductor substrate, containing a stretchable membrane member which is detachably disposed in a hollow space of the cylindrical substrate, wherein the membrane member is configured to sequentially stretch until reaching the deepest part of the hollow space of the cylindrical substrate as a result of an introduction of a refrigerant therein to closely contact with an entire inner wall of the cylindrical substrate, and to sequentially shrink to the original shape thereof as a result of a release of the refrigerant therefrom, so that the membrane member is detachably disposed in the hollow space, and wherein the membrane member is configured to make a heat transfer between a surface of the cylindrical substrate and the refrigerant via the membrane member closely contacted with the inner surface of the cylindrical substrate, to control a surface temperature of the cylindrical substrate.