Optical Scanner Storage Device for Color Registration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanners in electrophotographic image-forming devices, such as laser printers, face challenges with precise electrostatic latent image formation on photosensitive drums, leading to color registration issues and difficulties in replacing or repairing the scanning device without specialized equipment, which hinders prompt maintenance and service for end-users.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner design with a casing containing multiple light sources, a deflector, an optical system, and a storage device that stores laser beam characteristics, allowing for easy adjustment and replacement of the scanning unit, including a controller to manage laser emission based on stored characteristics, enabling precise scanning and reducing the need for external measurement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser beam properties are measured with a special measuring device after mounting the scanning device in the printer, then the scanning linearity and trajectory can be adjusted, but the scanning device cannot be easily replaced or repaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the measurement capability by storing the measured laser beam properties (scanning linearity, trajectory) as characteristic data in the storage device. This eliminates the need for the original measuring device during replacement, as the characteristics are transferred via data copy rather than physical measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device performs self-adjustment by using its own storage device to hold characteristic data. When replaced, the new scanning device automatically uses the stored characteristics to adjust its laser emission timing, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external specialized measuring equipment.
2Ease of operation
If the scanning device is replaced without a special measuring device, then maintenance can be performed on-site, but the laser beam properties cannot be accurately adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement of laser beam properties is performed in advance during the manufacturing or initial setup phase, and the results are stored in the storage device. This preliminary action ensures that when the scanning device is replaced on-site, the pre-measured characteristics are already available for immediate use, combining the benefits of precise measurement with convenient on-site replacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser emitting timings are adjusted based on measured laser beam properties, then color registration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive storage device (such as a semiconductor memory) to store the characteristic data, replacing the need for complex, permanent adjustment mechanisms. The storage device can be easily replaced or reprogrammed, providing a simple and cost-effective solution for maintaining precision without adding mechanical complexity.
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
Facilitates easy replacement and adjustment of the optical scanner, improving color image formation quality by correcting scanning linearity and trajectory deviations, thus eliminating color registration problems and enabling on-site maintenance without requiring a special service center.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector (406) provided in the casing (430) for deflecting the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical system (407, 410-420) provided in the casing (430) for guiding the deflected laser beam to a corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner used for an image-forming device to form a color image includes a plurality of photosensitive drums for superimposing a developer image formed on each of the plurality of photosensitive drums. The optical scanner includes a casing, a plurality of light sources, a deflector, an optical system, and a storage device. The plurality of light sources is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of photosensitive drums. Each of the plurality of light source emits a laser beam. The deflector is provided in the casing for deflecting the laser beam. The optical system is provided in the casing for guiding the deflected laser beam to a corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums to make the laser beam scan the corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums. The storage device stores a characteristic related to the laser beam scanning the corresponding one of the photosensitive drums.