Image Sensor Light Guide Fixing via Frame and Cover Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensor units face challenges in maintaining accuracy due to the complexity of configurations, particularly in holding light guides firmly, which complicates assembly and increases the number of components.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor unit incorporates a column-shaped light guide with a flange portion composed of the frame's first support and the cover's second support, allowing for precise fixation without additional holders, ensuring accurate alignment and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holder is added to hold the light guide, then the light guide can be held firmly, but the number of components increases and assembling becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide holder function into the frame structure by forming a recess directly in the frame, eliminating the need for a separate holder component. The frame simultaneously serves as both the structural framework and the light guide mounting structure, reducing component count while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the light guide, and positioning the light source. By making the frame multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a holder is added to hold the light guide, then the light guide can be held firmly, but assembling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide holder and frame into a single integrated structure. The recess is formed directly as part of the frame during frame manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps to install a holder, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide mounting structure is prepared in advance as an integrated part of the frame during frame manufacturing. This preliminary integration of the holder function into the frame reduces the number of assembly operations needed, making the overall assembly process easier and more efficient.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional supports are added to fix the light guide, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function into the frame structure itself. The recess in the frame provides the necessary positioning features directly, eliminating the need for separate positioning components or additional supports, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed with localized structural features (the recess) specifically at the location where the light guide is mounted. This local optimization provides the necessary positioning accuracy without requiring complex additional supports throughout the entire structure, maintaining overall configuration simplicity.
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 maintains accuracy with a simpler configuration by securely fixing the light guide within the frame, reducing assembly complexity and component count, while ensuring precise alignment for effective image generation.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide, a light source, a lens... The light guide is column shaped and is configured to emit light from a side surface thereof toward a subject to be read, the light emitted to an end surface of the light guide. The light source is positioned to face the end surface of the light guide, and is configured to emit light toward the end surface of the light guide.
Implementation Method 2
The lens is configured to cause light reflected by the subject to be read to converge in the width direction of the light guide, the light emitted from the side surface of the light guide.
Implementation Method 3
The frame is frame shaped, and is configured to house the light guide and the lens, the frame including a first support configured to support a first to-be-supported section on the side surface of the light guide. The cover is configured to cover at least a part of one opening of the frame... the cover including a second support configured to support a second to-be-supported section opposite of the first to-be-supported section on the side surface of the light guide. The light guide is fixed inside the frame by a flange portion composed of the first support of the frame and the second support of the cover.
Data Source
AI summary
Light guides emit light from the side surface thereof toward the subject to be read, the light emitted to one end surface of each of the light guides. A frame is frame shaped, the frame houses the light guides and a lens, the frame including light guide holders that support a first to-be-supported section on the side surface of the light guides. A cover covers at least a part of one opening of the frame, and does not restrict light from passing through between the light guides and the subject to be read, the cover including light guide holders that support a second to-be-supported section opposite of the first to-be-supported section on the side surface of the light guides. The light guides are fixed inside the frame by the flange portion including the light guide holders provided by the frame and the light guide holders provided by the cover.