Coupling Lens Adhesion for Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses like laser printers, the misalignment of optical axes between light-emitting elements and coupling lenses due to adhesive shrinkage during curing complicates proper optical axis alignment in light source devices.
Innovation Solution
A light source device design featuring a holding member with adherends opposite the coupling lens's optical axis, allowing the lens to be bonded in a way that minimizes misalignment by applying adhesive at multiple symmetric points, reducing the impact of shrinkage on optical axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is applied only to one spot at the bottom of the coupling lens, then the coupling lens can be fixed to the holding member, but optical axis misalignment occurs due to adhesive shrinkage during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is segmented from a single spot into multiple spots distributed around the peripheral edge of the coupling lens. This segmentation distributes the shrinkage forces during curing, preventing the concentrated misalignment that occurs with single-spot application, while still achieving secure fixation of the coupling lens to the holding member.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses the asymmetric shrinkage force problem by creating a symmetric distribution of adhesive spots around the coupling lens periphery. This symmetric arrangement balances the shrinkage forces during curing, preventing the asymmetric optical axis misalignment that would otherwise occur.
2Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is applied at multiple spots around the coupling lens, then optical axis alignment precision is improved, but the complexity of the fixing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies adhesive only at specific local positions around the peripheral edge of the coupling lens, rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized application at multiple discrete spots achieves the benefit of distributed shrinkage force reduction while avoiding the complexity of complex coating processes or excessive adhesive material.
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 design significantly reduces optical axis misalignment, enhances precision in aligning the light-emitting element and coupling lens, and allows for more flexible and efficient curing processes using ultraviolet curing resin.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens configured to condense a beam of light emitted from the light-emitting element
Implementation Method 2
The coupling lens in this example is located in place on the ledge and fixed thereon with an ultraviolet curing adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
In a light source device, a light-emitting element and a coupling lens configured to condense a beam of light emitted from the light-emitting element are held by a holding member. The holding member has an adherend that is opposite to a surface of the coupling lens facing to the light-emitting element in a direction of an optical axis of the coupling lens. Part of the surface of the coupling lens facing to the light-emitting element is bonded to the adherend of the holding member. In the optical scanner which includes this light source device, a beam of light emitted from the light source device is deflected by a deflector so that a target surface is scanned with the beam of light, and the deflected beam of light is caused by an image forming optical system to focus on the target surface, to form an image thereon.