Eccentric Cam Mirror Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exposure devices require complex mold structures and additional components due to the need for obliquely formed screw holes and extra components to adjust the angle of reflecting mirrors, which complicates the arrangement and adjustment of multiple mirrors in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The exposure device employs eccentric cams with adjustable rotary shafts fixed vertically to the housing, allowing for mirror angle adjustments without the need for oblique screw holes or extra components, using a common eccentric cam for multiple mirrors and simplifying the mold structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustment screws are inserted from a direction at right angles to the mirror surface to adjust the reflecting mirror angle, then the mirror angle can be adjusted, but screw holes must be formed obliquely with respect to the housing, complicating the mold structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustment direction from perpendicular to the mirror surface (requiring oblique screw holes in housing) to parallel to the mirror surface (using adjustment holes formed in the housing bottom surface). This dimensional change allows standard mold structures to be used while maintaining adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting adjustment screws from the mirror surface side (perpendicular direction), the patent inverts the approach by accessing the mirror support mechanism from the opposite side through the housing bottom surface, eliminating the need for oblique screw holes.
2Ease of operation
If extra components are provided to adjust the angle of reflecting mirrors, then mirror angle adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal adjustment mechanism that can adjust multiple reflecting mirrors using the same structural approach. The housing bottom surface adjustment holes and corresponding support mechanisms serve as a multi-functional solution that replaces multiple specialized adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the adjustment function into the existing housing structure by forming adjustment holes directly in the housing bottom surface, rather than adding separate adjustment components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflecting mirrors are adjusted to different angles using conventional methods, then each mirror can be positioned independently, but screw holes must be formed in the housing in accordance with each angle, complicating the housing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustment access direction from perpendicular to the mirror surface (requiring multiple oblique screw holes at different angles) to parallel to the mirror surface through the housing bottom surface. This allows multiple mirrors to be adjusted independently through a standardized housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adjustment function into independent adjustment mechanisms for each mirror, all accessed through the housing bottom surface. This segmentation allows independent angle adjustment for each mirror while using a common housing structure, rather than requiring integrated oblique holes for each mirror.
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 enables precise and flexible adjustment of mirror angles without complicating the housing structure, allowing for easier assembly and reduced manufacturing costs, while maintaining the stability of the mirror position even under vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is abutted against a reflection surface of the mirror or a surface facing the reflection surface and presses a surface of the mirror
Implementation Method 2
the first eccentric cam has an eccentric shape including a first outer peripheral portion, which is abutted against a first mirror support point... to support the first mirror support point. Further, the first eccentric cam has the eccentric shape in which a distance between the first rotary shaft and the first mirror support point varies corresponding to rotation around the first rotary shaft
Implementation Method 3
a mirror reflecting light, emitted from a light source in a housing, toward an object to be exposed
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an exposure device has first and second eccentric cams. The first eccentric cam has an eccentric shape that supports a first mirror support point located near the center on one end side in a longitudinal direction of a mirror and varies a distance between a first rotary shaft and the first mirror support point in correspondence to rotation around the first rotary shaft. The second eccentric cam has an eccentric shape that supports a second mirror support point of two support points located on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the mirror and varies a distance between a rotary shaft and the second mirror support point in correspondence to rotation around the rotary shaft.