Exposure Apparatus Board Mounting via Insulation Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exposure apparatuses for electrophotographic image formation require a base for mounting and securing the LED head, which complicates the configuration and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An exposure apparatus is designed without a base by using a board with a lens member and an insulation sheet, where the board is fixed to a holder using an insulation sheet and a sealing material, eliminating the need for additional mounting components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a base is used to mount and secure the LED head, then the LED head can be firmly fixed to the holder, but the configuration becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the holder structure itself. The holder is designed with integrated fixing features (protrusions fitting into recesses) and sealing features (elastomeric material) that eliminate the need for a separate base component. This merging of functions reduces part count and simplifies configuration while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, positioning (through protrusion-recess engagement), sealing (through elastomeric material), and fixation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components like a base, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Reliability
If a base is used to mount the LED head, then secure fixation is achieved, but the number of parts increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder integrates multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components. By combining support, positioning, sealing, and fixation functions into a single holder structure, the patent eliminates the need for a separate base, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a multi-functional component that performs mechanical support, positioning via protrusion-recess engagement, sealing via elastomeric material, and fixation. This consolidation of multiple functions into one component reduces part count and associated costs while ensuring reliable mounting security.
3Device complexity
If the board is pressed against the holder without a base, then the configuration is simplified, but adequate fixation and sealing must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: protrusions on the holder that engage with recesses on the board, and elastomeric sealing material positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material acts as an intermediary between the board and holder, providing both sealing and additional mechanical bonding. This intermediary element ensures reliable fixation and sealing without requiring a complex base structure, maintaining configuration simplicity while ensuring reliability.
4Reliability
If sealing material is applied between the board and holder, then sealing is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing material is pre-positioned on the holder at specific locations before the board is attached. This preliminary placement ensures proper sealing without requiring complex sealing operations during assembly, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material serves as an intermediary that simultaneously provides sealing and mechanical bonding functions. By using a single material that performs both functions, the patent avoids the need for separate sealing operations or additional sealing components, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving sealing 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 simplifies the apparatus, reduces costs, and ensures secure bonding of the board to the holder without compromising sealing or performance.
Implementation Method 1
curing the sealing material while pressing an insulation sheet against an abutment part provided on the second surface of the board and against the sealing material, thereby fixing the board to the holder and fixing the insulation sheet to the holder by means of the cured sealing material
Data Source
AI summary
An exposure apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a board that includes a first surface on which a light emitting element is arranged and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a lens member on which light from the light emitting element is incident; a holder that holds the lens member; and an insulation sheet formed of an insulation material. The board includes an abutment part provided on a second surface of the board. The insulation sheet is fixed to the holder while being in contact with the abutment part.