Optical Print Head Spacer Design for Lens Distance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical print heads, such as those using LED arrays, have complex structures requiring many parts, leading to high costs and complexity in maintaining a predetermined distance between the lens array and the image carrier.
Innovation Solution
An optical print head design featuring a substrate with a light emitting element array, a lens array for focusing light, and at least one spacer member made of curable resin or adhesive, which is cured to maintain a predetermined distance between the lens array and the image carrier, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional LED head structure with multiple parts is used, then the distance between lens array and photosensitive drum can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (holder, spacers, adjustment mechanism) into an integrated structure where the holder directly maintains the predetermined distance between the lens array and photosensitive drum without requiring additional spacers or adjustment mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable distance control through the holder's inherent design.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple parts are used to maintain distance, then the distance can be adjusted, but the number of parts increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with integrated distance-maintaining features (such as built-in spacers or positioned elements) that are formed as single segments during manufacturing. This segmentation approach allows the distance precision to be built into the component design itself, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and reducing assembly steps while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment mechanism is used, then the clearance can be adjusted, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with predetermined distance characteristics built into its geometry or material properties. Instead of requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the distance parameter is fixed during holder manufacturing through precise machining or molding. This parameter change approach eliminates complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the ability to achieve precise predetermined distances, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
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 design reduces the number of parts and assembly time, lowers costs, and stabilizes the distance between the lens array and the image carrier, enhancing the optical print head's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spacer member, disposed on the holder, for maintaining a predetermined distance between the lens array and the image carrier, the at least one spacer member being made of curable resin that is cured under a predetermined condition or fixed to the holder with curable adhesive that is cured under a predetermined condition
Data Source
AI summary
An optical print head for illuminating an image carrier facing the optical print head includes: a substrate on which a light emitting element array is mounted; a lens array for focusing light emitted from the light emitting element array onto the image carrier; a holder holding the substrate and the lens array; and at least one spacer member, disposed on the holder, for maintaining a predetermined distance between the lens array and the image carrier, the at least one spacer member being made of curable resin that is cured under a predetermined condition or fixed to the holder with curable adhesive that is cured under a predetermined condition.