Cylindrical Lens Presser Spring Positioning for Compact Optical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving high image quality and speed while minimizing the size and cost of the apparatus, particularly due to light intensity loss and the need for larger optical elements, which increases the number of parts and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs at least two light sources with an optical element to bring their light fluxes close together and focus them on a rotating reflector, using a cylindrical lens with a lens holding member that presses the lens into place to prevent light loss and reduce the size of the reflector, thereby maintaining effective scanning without increasing the apparatus's size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a polarizing beam splitter is used to combine light beams from multiple light sources, then the light beams can be directed along the same path, but the light intensity of each beam is reduced by half, requiring stronger light sources and increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam combining mechanism that uses a specific optical configuration (involving mirrors and beam combining optics) to merge multiple light beams without using a polarizing beam splitter. This intermediary optical system allows multiple light sources to contribute their full intensity to the combined beam, avoiding the 50% intensity loss that would otherwise require higher power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path parameters and beam combination method to eliminate the need for polarizing beam splitters. By adjusting the angular relationships and optical path lengths, the system combines beams in a way that preserves light intensity, thereby reducing the power requirements of the light sources
2Productivity
If the apparatus is designed for high-speed image formation by scanning multiple lines simultaneously, then image forming speed increases, but light intensity must be maintained which requires stronger light sources when using beam splitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary optical system that combines multiple light beams without intensity loss, enabling high-speed multi-line scanning while maintaining adequate light intensity for fast scanning without requiring proportionally stronger (higher power consumption) light sources
3Reliability
If the cylindrical lens is supported by pressing both end parts with presser springs, then the lens is securely held in place, but the overall size of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the need for end-pressing mechanisms by using a single central presser spring to hold the cylindrical lens. This removes the requirement for supporting structures at both ends of the lens, thereby reducing the overall volume and size of the optical system while maintaining adequate lens positioning stability
Solution Approach 2:
The single presser spring performs the function of securing the lens in place, and through its positioning and force application, it simultaneously provides adequate stabilization without requiring additional supporting structures, making the support mechanism more compact and multi-functional
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 configuration ensures effective scanning without light intensity loss and reduces the size of the cylindrical lens, leading to a more compact and cost-effective image forming apparatus with improved image quality and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical lens for focusing the light fluxes brought close to one another on a reflection plane of a rotating reflector
Implementation Method 2
an optical element for bringing a light flux emitted from one of the light sources close to a light flux or fluxes emitted from the other or others of the light sources
Implementation Method 3
a scanning optical system for imaging each of light fluxes reflected from the reflection plane of the rotary reflector on a photoreceptor
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus in which light fluxes emitted from at least two light sources are brought close to one another to be allowed to enter the rotating reflector 35 to be allowed to scan the photoreceptor 39, the cylindrical lens presser spring 12 provided on the cylindrical lens supporting member 10 is positioned such that the lens presser spring 12 pushes the cylindrical lens at a position so that the light fluxes enter the cylindrical lens at ranges extending toward both strides from the lens presser spring 12.