Deskew Bracket Mechanism for LED Imaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern printing devices, misalignment of imaging devices leads to low-quality prints due to skewing of colors, which existing technologies fail to address effectively without altering the focal point of the imaging devices, especially for light emitting diodes (LEDs) that have tight focus tolerance.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a bracket system that maintains the imaging device's focus parallel to the photoreceptor belt plane during deskewing, using a powered actuator and manual screw adjuster to adjust the light source's position along a plane parallel to the belt while keeping the focal distance constant, ensuring precise alignment without altering the focal point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light source is skewed to correct misalignment between imaging devices, then color registration is improved, but the focal distance changes causing loss of focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-stage adjustment mechanism: first adjusting skew along the photoreceptor belt direction (primary dimension), then adjusting focal distance perpendicular to the belt direction (secondary dimension). This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of both color registration and focus, resolving the contradiction by treating them as orthogonal adjustment parameters rather than coupled trade-offs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs independent parameter control where the skew position and focal distance are adjusted as separate controllable parameters. The powered actuator controls skew along the belt direction while a separate mechanism controls focal distance perpendicular to it, allowing the system to change these parameters independently to achieve optimal color registration without compromising focus.
2Manufacturing precision
If the light source position is adjusted to correct skew, then alignment between imaging devices is improved, but the tight focus tolerance of LEDs is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into two independent functional components: a skew adjustment mechanism that moves the light source along the photoreceptor belt direction, and a focus adjustment mechanism that moves the light source perpendicular to the belt. This segmentation allows the skew to be corrected for alignment without affecting the focal position, thereby maintaining focus within the tight LED tolerance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary bracket structure that decouples the skew adjustment from focal distance changes. The powered actuator serves as an intermediary element that enables skew adjustment while the bracket geometry ensures that this adjustment does not alter the perpendicular distance to the photoreceptor, thus protecting the focus from disruption.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing deskew technologies are used, then color misalignment is corrected, but the focal point of imaging devices is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where the light source position can be independently controlled in two directions: along the photoreceptor belt for skew correction, and perpendicular to it for focus adjustment. This dynamic capability allows the system to first correct color alignment through skew adjustment, then restore or optimize the focal point position, whereas existing static technologies cannot separate these adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a bracket connected to a frame, where the bracket connects a light source to the frame. The frame supports a photoreceptor that has a planar surface. Also, the bracket positions the light source at a set distance from the photoreceptor. Further, the bracket comprises an adjustment device that moves the light source along a plane that is parallel to the planar surface of the photoreceptor, and that maintains the light source at the set distance from the photoreceptor as the light source moves within the plane.