Optical Scanner Mirror Positioning for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices are large in size due to the need for a significant distance between the lid and the mirror to prevent interference, which increases the overall dimensions of the device.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device incorporates a rotatable polygonal mirror with a first and second regulating portion positioned remotely from the closing member, allowing the mirror to be accommodated within a smaller space while maintaining effective beam scanning and focusing, thereby reducing the device's size without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the regulating member presses on the edge of the mirror closest to the lid, then the mirror can be stably supported, but the distance between the lid and mirror must be large, increasing device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulating member positioned at the back surface of the mirror (farthest from the lid) instead of pressing on the edge closest to the lid. This intermediary positioning allows the mirror to be stably supported while minimizing the distance between the lid and mirror, thereby reducing overall device size without compromising support stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning dimension of the regulating member from the front edge (close to lid) to the back surface (far from lid) of the mirror. This dimensional repositioning allows the mirror to be supported effectively while reducing the required distance between the lid and mirror, thus solving the contradiction between support stability and compact size
2Volume of stationary object
If the regulating member is positioned close to the lid for compact design, then device size is reduced, but the lid and regulating member may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the regulating member at the back surface of the mirror, which serves as an intermediary location that is far from the lid. This positioning eliminates potential interference between the lid and regulating member while still achieving compact device design by optimizing the overall spatial arrangement
3Device complexity
If the mirror is supported by its lengthwise ends, then the structure is simplified, but the device dimensions increase to accommodate the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the back surface of the mirror as an intermediary support point for the regulating member. This approach simplifies the support structure by using a single surface while maintaining compact dimensions, as the regulating member can effectively control mirror position without requiring extended support structures
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 minimizes the distance between the lid and the mirror, reducing the device's dimensions while ensuring stable mirror positioning and beam alignment, thus enhancing the compactness and efficiency of the optical scanning device.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable polygonal mirror for deflecting a beam from said light source
Implementation Method 2
a mirror for reflecting the beam deflected by said rotatable polygonal mirror toward a predetermined surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner includes a polygonal mirror; a mirror for reflecting the beam from the polygonal mirror; an optical box having a cap and containing the mirror; a first mirror regulating portion in a direction of a normal line of the mirror, the first regulating portion being provided opposed to such a surface of the reflecting surface and a back surface as is closer to the cap; and a second mirror regulating portion in a beam sub-scanning direction, the second regulating portion being provided opposed to such a surface of the mirror as is closer to the cap; wherein the mirror has a plurality of apex lines, and the first regulating portion and the second regulating portion are disposed at positions which are remoter from the cap than the apex line that is closest to the cap, with respect to a direction perpendicular to a main scan direction.