Optical Box Stepped Portion Thermal Deformation Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing light scanning apparatuses in electrophotographic image forming systems face deformation issues due to non-uniform temperature distribution, leading to warpage and distortion of the optical box, which affects the accuracy of light beam positioning and causes color misregistration in tandem type image forming apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a light scanning apparatus with a stepped portion in the optical box, featuring a waveform or accordion-shaped design between the installation and support walls, which absorbs thermal deformation stress and enhances the diffusion of hot air currents, thereby reducing the overall deformation of the optical box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an optical box made of resin is used to support optical components, then the degree of freedom of shape is secured, weight is reduced, and price is reduced, but the coefficient of thermal expansion increases and thermal conductivity decreases, causing non-uniform temperature distribution and warpage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thermal expansion principles by designing the optical box with a resin material that has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion. The structure incorporates expansion compensation mechanisms that allow controlled thermal movement, preventing warpage and distortion when temperature changes occur during light scanning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining resin with reinforcing fibers or metal inserts in strategic locations. This composite structure maintains the weight and manufacturing advantages of resin while improving thermal conductivity and dimensional stability to reduce thermal deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If light scanning is performed continuously for a long period of time, then productivity is improved, but the temperature of the rotation shaft receiving portion and IC chip increases to high temperature, causing optical box distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidtemperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thermal management intermediaries such as heat sinks, thermal conductive materials, and cooling channels between the heat-generating components (motor, IC chip) and the optical box structure. These intermediaries act as thermal mediators that transfer heat away from critical areas, preventing temperature-induced distortion during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic thermal management by designing the optical box with flexible mounting structures and adjustable components that can compensate for thermal expansion in real-time. The system adapts to temperature changes during continuous scanning, maintaining optical alignment despite thermal variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the rotary polygon mirror rotates at high speed, then scanning speed is improved, but hot current of air is generated that stagnates around the deflector, causing local temperature increase and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidtemperature distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by designing air flow channels and ventilation paths within the optical box that guide the hot air current generated by the high-speed rotating polygon mirror away from the deflector area. This prevents heat accumulation and maintains uniform temperature distribution during high-speed scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses curved surfaces and rounded edges in the optical box design around the deflector area to facilitate smooth air flow. The curved geometry prevents stagnant zones where hot air could accumulate, enabling better thermal management during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectively reduces the deformation of the optical box by about 40% compared to conventional designs, minimizing changes in light beam positions and improving image quality by stabilizing the optical components.

Implementation Method 1

a back surface of the stepped portion has a shape following a shape of the stepped portion inside the optical box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a deflector including a rotary polygon mirror configured to deflect the light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a motor configured to rotate the rotary polygon mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 4

a light source configured to emit a light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9720207B2Light scanning apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.08.01 CANON KK
  • US9720207B2 patent drawing
  • US9720207B2 patent drawing
  • US9720207B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light scanning apparatus, including: a light source; a deflector having a rotary polygon mirror configured to deflect the light beam emitted from the light source, and a motor configured to rotate the polygon mirror; a plurality of reflecting mirrors configured to reflect the light beam to the photosensitive member; and an optical box on which the light source is mounted, wherein the optical box has an installation wall on which the deflector is installed and a support wall positioned on a side of the photosensitive member with respect to the polygon mirror, the support wall being provided with a support portion configured to support at least one reflecting mirror, a stepped portion having a plurality of steps is formed between the installation wall and the support wall, and a back surface of the stepped portion has a shape following an inside surface of the stepped portion.