Elastic Light Guide Mounting for Scanner Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanner modules face issues with light guide damage, uneven light distribution, and thermal expansion, leading to reduced scanning performance and quality due to the lack of proper mounting structures and elastic support for light guides.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illuminator with a light guide having an elongated shape, supported by elastic members made of thermally conductive materials, and a guide holder with a mounting recess and protrusions to securely position and stabilize the light guide, reducing damage and thermal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light guide is inserted lengthwise into the case during assembly, then the light guide can be mounted, but damages such as scratches occur to the light guide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing guide protrusions on the case that guide the light guide into its mounting position before the actual insertion is completed. This preliminary guidance prevents misalignment and damage during the assembly process, allowing the light guide to be mounted without scratches while maintaining manufacturing ease
2Stability of the object's composition
If both ends of the light guide are fixedly supported, then the light guide is stable, but the light guide bends or bows when it lengthens due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making one of the support structures elastic rather than rigid. The elastic support can dynamically adjust its position to accommodate thermal expansion of the light guide, preventing bending and bowing while maintaining stability. This dynamic adaptation allows the light guide to remain straight during temperature changes
3Illumination intensity
If higher current or voltage is supplied to the light emitting diodes, then the luminous intensity is enhanced, but the temperature of the light emitting diodes increases and deteriorates the luminous intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a heat dissipation structure that acts as a mediator between the light emitting diodes and the surrounding environment. This intermediary structure conducts heat away from the diodes, allowing them to operate at higher currents for enhanced luminous intensity without suffering from excessive temperature rise that would deteriorate performance
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 enhances light distribution, reduces thermal-induced deformation, and improves scanning performance by maintaining the light guide's straightness and preventing damage, resulting in more consistent and accurate image scanning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic member elastically supporting at least one of longitudinal ends of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
elastic members made of thermally conductive materials
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employing the same. The scanner module comprises an illuminator for illuminating light on an object to be scanned. The illuminator includes a light emitting diode, a light guide extending in a main scanning direction to change a direction of the light received from the light emitting diode, and at least one elastic member to elastically support at least one longitudinal end of the light guide. As the light guide is elastically supported by the elastic member, convex deformation or bowing of an emission face of the light guide due to thermal expansion can be reduced.