Optical Scanning Apparatus Volume Reduction via Scanning Coefficient Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in miniaturizing optical scanning units for laser printers is to achieve a short focal length and large scanning angle while maintaining high image precision, which complicates the design and increases fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, a first optical unit for collimating and focusing the light beam, an optical deflector for deflecting the light beam, and a second optical unit for guiding the light beam onto a scanned target surface. The image height on the scanned target surface is optimized using the expression Y=fc×tan(B×θ), where the scanning coefficient B is within the range of 0.76≤B≤0.82, allowing for a reduction in the effective scanning angle and the image-forming characteristic coefficient to minimize the apparatus volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the focal length of the optical scanning unit is shortened and the scanning angle is increased to achieve miniaturization, then the volume of the optical scanning apparatus is reduced, but the design complexity of the image-forming optical lens increases and fabrication cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the scanning coefficient B to a specific range (0.76≤B≤0.82) and adjusting the effective scanning angle θ, which allows the system to achieve miniaturization without requiring complex lens designs. This mathematical parameter optimization replaces the need for complicated optical path designs, thereby reducing both volume and design complexity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of the scanning angle θ and scanning coefficient B, allowing the optical system to adaptively optimize its performance. By making the scanning parameters variable rather than fixed, the system can achieve miniaturization while maintaining simple lens design through real-time parameter optimization
2Volume of moving object
If the focal length of the optical scanning unit is shortened and the scanning angle is increased to achieve miniaturization, then the volume of the optical scanning apparatus is reduced, but the fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by establishing specific ranges for the scanning coefficient B (0.76≤B≤0.82) and optimizing the effective scanning angle θ. This mathematical approach allows standard, easily manufacturable lenses to achieve the desired miniaturization effect, eliminating the need for expensive custom-designed complex lenses and thereby reducing fabrication costs while maintaining small volume
3Volume of moving object
If the scanning coefficient B is optimized to reduce the effective scanning angle and image-forming characteristic coefficient, then the volume of the optical scanning apparatus is reduced, but the image precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully optimizes the scanning coefficient B within a specific range (0.76≤B≤0.82) rather than using extreme values. This controlled parameter change ensures that image precision is maintained within acceptable tolerances while still achieving significant volume reduction. The patent also introduces image height correction mechanisms to compensate for any precision loss, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing volume
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 solution effectively reduces the volume of the optical scanning apparatus and the printer, while maintaining image precision and reducing production costs by optimizing the scanning parameters and simplifying the lens design.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical unit, configured to collimate the light beam emitted from the light source along a primary scanning direction and focus the light beam from the light source along a secondary scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
a first optical unit, configured to collimate the light beam emitted from the light source along a primary scanning direction and focus the light beam from the light source along a secondary scanning direction
Implementation Method 3
an optical deflector, configured to deflect the light beam emitted from the first optical unit
Implementation Method 4
a second optical unit, configured to guide the light beam deflected by the optical deflector on a scanned target surface for forming an image
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical scanning apparatus and an electronic image-forming apparatus. In the image height expression of the scanned target surface, since the scanning coefficient B satisfies the condition of 0.7≤B≤0.9, the value of tan(B×θ) may become smaller. In order to maintain the magnitude of tan(B×θ) to ensure certain image height, on the one hand, it needs to increase effective scanning angle θ of the optical scanning apparatus; on the other hand, after effective scan angle θ increases, the magnitude of tan(B×θ) may increase, and the image-forming characteristic coefficient fc of the second optical unit may also be reduced to ensure certain image height. Therefore, the volume of the optical scanning apparatus may be reduced by combining improvements in above-mentioned two aspects, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the printer volume and reducing production cost.