LED Exposure Assembly with Probe Contacts for Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exposure devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with substrate deflection due to forces applied during the assembly process, particularly when connecting and disconnecting flexible flat cables (FFCs), affecting the position and light quantity adjustments of LED arrays.
Innovation Solution
The exposure device features a substrate with a first and second contact for signal input, allowing for adjustable light emission, and a holder that minimizes deflection by using contact probes instead of FFCs for adjustments, ensuring stable positioning and light quantity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If FFC is used for electrical connection during assembly adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but substrate deflection occurs due to insertion and removal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the FFC connection function specifically for the adjustment period, using it only temporarily during assembly. After adjustment is complete, the FFC is removed and replaced with a rigid circuit board connection for final operation. This extraction allows easy adjustment while preventing deflection during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all necessary position and light quantity adjustments using FFC connection before final assembly is complete. The adjustment operations are conducted in advance while the substrate is still accessible and can be manipulated. Once adjustments are finalized, the substrate is fixed in place, preventing any subsequent deflection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FFC is repeatedly connected and disconnected during assembly, then adjustability is improved, but substrate deflection and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
All adjustments to position and light quantity are performed in advance during the assembly process while the substrate is still accessible. The FFC is used only for these preliminary adjustment operations. After adjustments are complete, the substrate is permanently fixed, eliminating any need for future connection/disconnection cycles and preventing reliability degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a temporary electrical connection copy using FFC during the adjustment phase, which allows flexible connection and disconnection for adjustments. This temporary copy replaces the need for repeated connection/disconnection of the final rigid connection, protecting the primary connection from wear and damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If substrate position is adjusted after adhesive application, then manufacturing precision is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all position and light quantity adjustments before the adhesive is applied and the substrate is permanently fixed. This preliminary adjustment ensures that all precision work is completed while the substrate is still movable and accessible. Once adjustments are verified, the adhesive is applied to permanently secure the substrate in its optimized position, eliminating any subsequent contamination risk from handling.
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 reduces substrate deflection and maintains precise alignment of LED arrays, enhancing the assembly process efficiency and reducing the risk of contamination by toner and dust.
Implementation Method 1
a substrate including a plurality of light emitting elements configured to emit light for exposing the photoreceptor, the plurality of light emitting elements being arranged along the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a lens array configured to condense light emitted from at least one light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an exposure device having an extended shape in an axial direction to expose a photoreceptor, the exposure device including a substrate including a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light for exposing the photoreceptor arranged along the axial direction; a lens array for condensing light emitted from a light emitting element on the photoreceptor; a holder for holding the substrate and the lens array; a first contact electrically connected to the light emitting element for input of a signal for controlling emission of light; and a second contact positioned away from the first contact in a longitudinal direction of the substrate, the second contacted electrically connected to the light emitting element and for input of a signal for controlling emission of light emitting element.