Elastic Seal for Optical Scanning Dust Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning apparatuses using compound collimator lenses face challenges in achieving effective dust-proof performance due to gaps in the sealing between the light source device and the housing, especially when the collimator lens is large, leading to uneven light intensity and image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dust-proof seal using an elastic member, such as rubber or polyurethane foam, pinched between the anamorphic lens and the optical box, effectively blocks the flow-in paths through the light source device and between the light source unit and the housing, maintaining optical performance without requiring extensive adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a compound collimator lens is used to improve optical performance, then the light source device becomes more complex and larger, but this creates gaps between the light source device and housing that allow dust ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A dust-proof seal (elastic member) is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source device and the housing to block dust ingress paths created by the compound collimator lens assembly, without affecting the optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic member (rubber or polyurethane foam seal) is used to create a flexible sealing barrier that fills gaps between the light source device and housing, effectively preventing dust ingress while accommodating the complex lens structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extensive adhesive bonding is used to seal gaps, then dust-proof performance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dust-proof sealing function is extracted from the adhesive bonding process and implemented as a separate elastic seal component, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective dust-proof performance
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic dust-proof seal is a simple, inexpensive component that provides effective sealing without requiring complex adhesive bonding processes, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost
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 dust-proof performance by sealing both the gap between the light source unit and the housing, preventing dust ingress and maintaining image quality, even in high-speed and diverse environmental conditions, at a lower cost compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that blocks a gap between the lens and the opening portion of the housing, the elastic member being pinched between the lens and the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The optical scanning apparatus including a light source unit having plurality laser light sources for emitting laser light and one lens in which the laser light emitted from the plurality laser light sources is transmitted, a deflect device that deflects and scans the laser light on an image bearing member, an optical member that images the laser light on the image bearing member, a housing that internally includes the deflect device and the optical member, the housing forms an opening portion that passes through the laser light emitted from the plurality of the laser light sources, and an elastic member that blocks a gap between the lens and the opening portion, the elastic member being pinched between the lens and the housing. It achieves sealing of the flow-in path and sealing of the gap between the light source unit and the housing with a simple configuration.