Integrated Lens Array Unit for Ghost Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Erecting equal-magnification lens arrays with a stack of two transparent lens array plates lack a wall for beam separation, leading to ghost noise due to diagonally incident light entering adjacent convex lenses, and existing solutions with light shielding members increase the number of components and cost.
Innovation Solution
A lens array unit comprising a single piece formed by joining a lens array plate and a light shielding member with through holes, where the lenses directly face the holes, reducing the number of components and assembly steps, and incorporating a latch and gap adjustment parts for alignment and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a stack of two transparent lens array plates is used to form an erecting equal-magnification lens array, then the device size is reduced, but ghost noise occurs due to lack of beam separation walls between adjacent lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light shielding member with one of the lens array plates by forming them as a single integrated piece. This eliminates the need for separate light shielding members while maintaining the beam separation function, thus reducing device volume while preventing ghost noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces through holes in the integrated lens array plate that serve as mediators for beam separation. These through holes create effective separation walls between adjacent lenses without requiring additional physical components, thus preventing diagonal light from entering adjacent lenses
2Object-generated harmful factors
If light shielding members are provided to sandwich two lens array plates, then ghost noise is reduced, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light shielding function with the structural support function by integrating the light shielding member into the lens array plate itself. This single-integration approach eliminates multiple separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining effective beam separation
3Object-generated harmful factors
If light shielding members are provided to sandwich two lens array plates, then ghost noise is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two manufacturing processes into one by forming both the lens array plate and light shielding member as a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining ghost noise prevention functionality
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
The solution effectively reduces stray light and ghost noise while minimizing the number of components and assembly steps, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient erecting equal-magnification lens array unit.
Implementation Method 1
an erecting equal-magnification optical system comprises a linear light source, an erecting equal-magnification lens array, and a linear image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A first lens array unit includes a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate in which a plurality of lenses are provided in the main scanning direction, and a first light shielding member piece and a second light shielding member piece provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the lenses. The first lens array plate, the second lens array plate, the first light shielding member piece, and the second light shielding member piece are formed as one piece. The lens array is built by bending joints joining the lens array plates and the light shielding member pieces such that the lens is located to directly face the corresponding through hole.