Lens Mirror Array Prism Structure for Noise Light Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lens mirror arrays in document reading and exposure devices suffer from noise light interference due to light shielding material application precision issues and noise light reflection, which affects image quality in both document reading and electrostatic latent image formation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a prism structure on the surface of the flange, specifically on the fourth surface inclined with respect to the incident light direction, effectively reflects and blocks noise light using the retroreflection principle, reducing unwanted light emission and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a light shielding material is applied to the surface of each optical element to cut out noise light, then noise light interference is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to application precision issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical application of light shielding material with an optical solution - the light shielding protrusion structure that uses geometric shape and light reflection principles to block noise light without requiring precise material application
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding protrusion acts as an intermediary structure between the optical element and the noise light, using its geometric form to reflect and block unwanted light before it can interfere with the optical system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a prism structure is added to reflect noise light using retroreflection principle, then noise light cutting effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light shielding function directly into the optical element by forming a light shielding protrusion as an integral part of the optical element itself, eliminating the need for separate prism structures or light shielding components
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is given multiple functions - it both refracts light for image formation and blocks noise light through its integrated light shielding protrusion, reducing the need for additional specialized components
3Manufacturing precision
If light shielding material is applied to ensure noise light cutoff, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex process of applying light shielding material with a simpler molding process that forms the light shielding protrusion as an integral part of the optical element during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding protrusion is formed during the initial molding of the optical element, before the optical element is installed in the device, ensuring noise light cutoff is built-in from the start without requiring additional manufacturing steps
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 effectively cuts out noise light, enhancing image quality in document reading and preventing adverse effects on electrostatic latent images, even with deviations in installation precision and slit width, thus reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a prism structure on the surface of the flange, specifically on the fourth surface inclined with respect to the incident light direction, effectively reflects and blocks noise light using the retroreflection principle
Implementation Method 2
The lens mirror array has a plurality of optical elements for converging light from the plurality of light sources arranged in a main scanning direction on the surface of the photoconductive drum
Implementation Method 3
Each of the optical elements comprises a first reflection surface on which the incident light is reflected within the optical element, a second reflection surface on which the reflected light is further reflected within the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A lens mirror array includes a plurality of optical elements connected to each other and aligned along one direction. Each of the optical elements comprises a first lens surface on which light is incident, a first reflection surface on which the incident light is reflected within the optical element, a second reflection surface on which the reflected light is further reflected within the optical element, a second lens surface through which the light reflected by the second reflection surface is emitted outside the optical element, and a protruding portion having a plurality of surfaces and connected to the first lens surface and the second reflection surface. One of the surfaces of the protruding portion inclined with respect to a direction of light incident on the protruding portion has a prism structure.