Transfer Member Lubrication Assembly for Imaging Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital printing presses face challenges in efficiently transferring images due to high friction and adhesion issues between the transfer member and media, leading to reduced image quality and increased wear on transfer members, especially when handling small print volumes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a lubrication assembly that applies a lubricant to the transfer member during imaging operations, reducing friction and improving image release, using a lubricant with a high molecular weight that remains on the surface after the carrier evaporates, specifically designed for use with electrophotographic imaging processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lubrication assembly applies lubricant to the transfer member during imaging operations, then friction and adhesion between the transfer member and media are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage transfer qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A lubrication assembly is introduced as an intermediary component that applies lubricant to the transfer member during imaging operations. This mediator reduces direct friction and adhesion between the transfer member and media, improving image transfer quality while isolating the complexity of lubrication management from the core imaging process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical-chemical parameters of the transfer member surface by applying lubricant with specific molecular weight characteristics. This parameter change reduces surface friction and adhesion forces, enabling smoother image transfer and reducing wear on the transfer member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If high molecular weight lubricant is used that remains on the surface after carrier evaporation, then transfer member wear is reduced and image release is improved, but foaming issues may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer member lifespanVSAvoidfoaming

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the molecular weight parameter of the lubricant to be sufficiently high that the lubricant remains on the transfer member surface after the carrier evaporates. This parameter change ensures continuous lubrication protection and improved image release while the system manages foaming through controlled application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If lubricant is applied during both first and second transferring operations, then friction is continuously reduced, but lubricant management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage releaseVSAvoidlubrication control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication assembly is designed to apply lubricant continuously during both the first transfer operation (from imaging member to transfer member) and the second transfer operation (from transfer member to media). This continuous application ensures friction is reduced throughout the entire imaging process, maintaining reliable image release at each stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication assembly serves multiple functions: it lubricates the transfer member during first transfer, during second transfer, and provides continuous protection against wear. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits across all imaging operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances image transfer quality by reducing friction and adhesion, increasing the lifespan of transfer members, and minimizing foaming and image memory issues, while allowing for a wider range of lubricant choices that are not suitable for direct application with marking agents.

Implementation Method 1

a lubrication assembly configured to lubricate the transfer member during the transfer of the developed images using the transfer member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

using a lubricant with a high molecular weight that remains on the surface after the carrier evaporates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS7395020B1Imaging methods, imaging devices, transfer assemblies, and transfer member lubrication assemblies

Publication Date: 2008.07.01 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Imaging methods, imaging devices, transfer assemblies, and transfer member lubrication assemblies are described according to some aspects. According to one aspect, an imaging method includes forming a latent image using a first imaging member, using a marking agent, developing the latent image providing a developed image, after the developing, first transferring the marking agent of the developed image to an imaging transfer member, after the first transferring, second transferring the marking agent of the developed image from the imaging transfer member, and lubricating the imaging transfer member during the first and the second transferrings.