Laser Scanning Mirror Support Structure for Precise Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The arrangement accuracy of mirrors in laser scanning units significantly affects the accuracy of electrostatic latent image writing, particularly when one end of the mirror is supported at two positions and the other end at one position, leading to potential misalignment and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanning unit design that includes a housing with specific mirror support structures, utilizing a pair of protrusion portions and a concave surface for the first end portion, and a pair of partitioning surfaces and a concave surface for the second end portion, bonded by an adhesive, ensuring precise alignment and fixation of the mirror ends, and a manufacturing method involving needle insertion and adhesive curing to secure the mirror in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mirror is supported at three positions (two at first end, one at second end), then the mirror can be fixed to the housing, but the arrangement accuracy of the mirror deteriorates due to insufficient support at the second end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct types: the first mirror support portion with two protrusion portions supporting the first end, and the second mirror support portion with multiple partitioning surfaces supporting the second end. This segmentation allows each support portion to be optimized independently for its specific function, providing both fixation reliability and arrangement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different support configurations are applied to different locations of the mirror. The first end receives support from two protrusion portions, while the second end receives support from multiple partitioning surfaces (first, second, and third partitioning surfaces) at different heights. This local differentiation ensures that each region of the mirror receives appropriate support tailored to its specific requirements for stability and positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is applied to bond the second end portion of the mirror, then the mirror arrangement accuracy can be improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to difficulty in controlling adhesive amount and position
Solution Approach 1:
The second mirror support portion acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates precise adhesive application. The multiple partitioning surfaces (first, second, and third partitioning surfaces) create defined spaces and reference surfaces that guide adhesive placement, making it easier to control both the amount and position of adhesive applied to bond the mirror's second end portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is pre-formed with the second mirror support portion including multiple partitioning surfaces at predetermined positions and heights before mirror assembly. This preliminary structuring creates ready-made adhesive application zones with controlled geometry, eliminating the need for complex real-time adhesive positioning during assembly and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple partitioning surfaces are provided at the second mirror support portion, then the adhesive amount and position can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second mirror support portion is designed as a multi-functional integrated structure where the first, second, and third partitioning surfaces simultaneously serve multiple purposes: providing adhesive application surfaces, defining support zones, establishing positioning references, and controlling adhesive flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise adhesive control.
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
Enhances the accuracy and stability of electrostatic latent image writing by ensuring precise alignment and fixation of mirrors within the laser scanning unit, thereby improving image quality and reducing misalignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive bonds the end surface of the second end portion of the mirror and the pair of partitioning surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror fastener fastens a first end portion of a mirror to a first mirror support portion of a housing. A second mirror support portion includes a pair of partitioning surfaces and a concave surface. The pair of partitioning surfaces oppose an end surface of a second end portion of the mirror while an interval is provided between the pair of partitioning surfaces and the end surface. The concave surface is formed between the pair of partitioning surfaces and opposes the end surface of the second end portion while an interval larger than the interval between the pair of partitioning surfaces and the end surface is provided between the concave surface and the end surface. An adhesive bonds the end surface of the second end portion and the pair of partitioning surfaces.