Light Guide Synchronization for Scanning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning systems face challenges in synchronizing electronic signals with the movement of a light beam, particularly in optical code readers, due to the need for precise alignment and varying configurations of polygonal wheels with different reflecting faces, which complicates the manufacture and assembly of synchronizing arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with a specific shape and reflective properties that directs light rays to a photosensor, ensuring a clearly defined exit point regardless of the location or angle of incidence, allowing for easy alignment and standardization across different scanning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronizing arrangement is implemented in a scanning system, then synchronization of electronic signals with light beam movement is achieved, but precise alignment and complex assembly are required
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the scanning system and the synchronizing arrangement. The light guide receives light from the scanning system and directs it to the photosensor, serving as a mediator that simplifies the synchronization process without requiring direct complex alignment between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronizing arrangement is divided into separate functional components: the scanning system, the light guide, and the photosensor. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and aligned independently, reducing the overall alignment complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polygonal wheels with different reflecting faces are used, then various scanning configurations are achieved, but the synchronizing arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed with a universal structure that can work with different polygonal wheel configurations. By using a light guide with specific geometric properties (such as a prism shape with specific angles), the same synchronizing arrangement can accommodate various scanning configurations without requiring redesign, thus achieving multi-functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized synchronizing arrangements are implemented, then manufacturing is simplified, but the light guide requires specific shape and reflective properties
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is designed with specific geometric parameters (such as prism angles and dimensions) that are optimized for standardization. By defining precise parameter ranges rather than exact values, the design allows for manufacturing tolerances while maintaining the necessary optical performance, thus balancing standardization with precision requirements.
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 light guide simplifies the manufacture and assembly of scanning systems by providing a standardized synchronizing arrangement that works with various polygonal wheels, reducing the complexity of aligning optical elements and enabling efficient synchronization of electronic signals with the light beam movement.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (20) with a specific shape and reflective properties that directs light rays to a photosensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a scanning system comprising a synchronizing arrangement comprising a light guide and a photosensor. The invention provides a light guide (20) for directing a light beam (11) to a photosensor in a scanning system, wherein light is deflected by one or more moving elements (5) in the scanning system into a scanning region, wherein said light guide has a light entry region, a reflecting region for reflecting light entering the light entry region and one or more light exit faces, so that light (11) entering the light guide through the light entry region is at least partly reflected in the reflecting region and exits through one of the exit faces, wherein the shape and the properties of the light guide are such that for two pencils of light rays, which enter the light guide through the light entry region and leave the light guide through a light exit face in a respective exit zone, wherein of the two pencils a first pencil of light rays is spaced from the second pencil and is non-overlapping with said second pencil of light rays, the first and second pencil are directed to different light exit faces of the light guide or have identical or at least overlapping exit zones in the same exit face. The invention furthermore relates to a method for efficiently manufacturing scanning devices according to the present invention.