Light Scanning Apparatus Optical Path Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light scanning apparatuses are insufficiently downsized due to inadequate reduction of the optical path length in the imaging optical system.
Innovation Solution
A light scanning apparatus is designed with a deflecting unit, a first imaging optical system, and a first reflecting element, where the first reflecting element is arranged between the deflecting unit and the closest optical element in the imaging optical system, optimizing the optical path length to be equal to or less than the distance between outermost off-axis image heights on the scanned surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a reflecting element is arranged between the deflecting unit and the closest optical element in the imaging optical system, then the device complexity is reduced and downsizing is achieved, but the optical path length is insufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by introducing a reflecting element that redirects the optical path in a different spatial dimension. The reflecting element is positioned at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the optical axis, causing the light flux to follow a folded path that reduces the overall device volume while maintaining adequate optical path length through geometric optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters including the optical path length, reflecting element position, and scanning angle to achieve the desired balance between device size and optical performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves sufficient downsizing while maintaining the optical path length within acceptable ranges.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical path length is reduced to achieve downsizing, then the device volume is reduced, but the optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the deflecting unit and the imaging optical system. It redirects the light flux while allowing for optimization of the optical path length, thereby enabling device downsizing without compromising optical performance through its strategic positioning and angular orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deflecting unit with rotational capability to dynamically adjust the scanning angle and optimize the optical path. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve adequate optical path length while maintaining a compact device volume, as the reflecting element can be positioned at optimal angles for different scanning conditions.
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 achieves sufficient downsizing of the light scanning apparatus while maintaining good optical performance by reducing the optical path length and optimizing the scanning characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting element configured to reflect the first light flux
Implementation Method 2
a first imaging optical system including at least one optical element configured to guide the first light flux
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light scanning apparatus including a deflecting unit deflecting a light flux from a light source to scan a scanned surface in a main scanning direction, an imaging optical system including at least one optical element guiding light flux deflected by a deflecting surface of deflecting unit to scanned surface, and a reflecting element reflecting light flux. On an optical path of light flux from deflecting unit to scanned surface, reflecting element is arranged between deflecting unit and an optical element closest to deflecting unit among at least one optical element included in imaging optical system. An optical path length between an on-axis deflection point of deflecting surface and scanned surface on an optical axis of imaging optical system is equal to or less than a distance between outermost off-axis image heights on scanned surface.