Light Scanning Apparatus Asymmetric Optics Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light scanning apparatuses face challenges in reducing size due to limited arrangement freedom of imaging optical elements, leading to interference issues and insufficient size reduction.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a deflecting unit that scans light fluxes in both main and sub-scanning directions, with specific refractive power arrangements in the first and second optical systems, including fθ lenses, to optimize the optical path and reduce size while minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If imaging optical elements are arranged with limited freedom to reduce size, then the size of the light scanning apparatus is reduced, but interference between imaging optical elements occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the imaging optical elements have different shapes rather than identical shapes. Specifically, when imaging optical elements are arranged at different positions in the sub-scanning direction, they are designed with different shapes to prevent interference while maintaining compact size. This asymmetric design allows closer spacing of elements without causing optical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the shape of imaging optical elements based on their specific arrangement positions. Each imaging optical element's shape is optimized for its local position in the optical system, particularly in the sub-scanning direction, allowing the system to achieve compact dimensions while avoiding interference between elements at different locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If imaging optical elements have the same shape to simplify design, then manufacturing is easier, but degree of freedom in arrangement is reduced making size reduction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the shapes of imaging optical elements to gain arrangement flexibility. By designing elements with different shapes based on their positions, the system achieves both manufacturing feasibility (using similar base designs with localized modifications) and high arrangement freedom for compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the shape parameters of imaging optical elements based on their arrangement positions. By adjusting specific geometric parameters of the optical elements according to their location in the sub-scanning direction, the system achieves optimal compact arrangement while maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic parameter variation rather than completely different designs.
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 allows for a significant reduction in the size of the light scanning apparatus and the image forming apparatus it is integrated into, while maintaining effective scanning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a deflecting unit configured to deflect a first light flux to scan a first surface in a main scanning direction and a second light flux to scan a second surface in the main scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
The first optical system includes a first optical element, and a second optical element arranged between the first optical element and the first surface on an optical path of the first optical system
Implementation Method 3
The second optical system includes a third optical element
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus invention includes a deflecting unit configured to deflect first and second light fluxes to scan first and second surfaces in a main scanning direction, and first and second optical systems configured to guide the first and second light fluxes deflected by the deflecting unit to the first and second surfaces. The first optical system includes a first optical element, and a second optical element arranged between the first optical element and the first surface on an optical path of the first optical system. The second optical system includes a third optical element.