Optical Scanning Layout With Fewer Mirrors and Shorter Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices have long optical paths due to the use of multiple reflection mirrors, leading to increased size and production costs.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device incorporates a pair of reflection mirrors and a scanning lens configuration that allows light beams to pass between the first and second scanning lenses, reducing the optical path length and minimizing the number of mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple reflection mirrors are used to fold optical paths, then the optical path length is reduced, but the number of components increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary reflection mirrors from the optical path. By using a specific lens configuration where the second scanning lens is positioned closer to the image carrier and the optical path is folded once rather than multiple times, the patent removes the need for multiple reflection mirrors while still achieving a compact optical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement of the optical components by positioning the second scanning lens at a specific location and using a single reflection mirror at an optimized angle. This dimensional reorganization allows the optical path to be folded efficiently without requiring multiple mirrors, reducing component count while maintaining compactness.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple reflection mirrors are used to fold optical paths, then the optical path length is reduced, but the overall size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple reflection mirrors into a single reflection mirror positioned at an optimized angle. By combining the light-folding function into one component rather than distributing it across multiple mirrors, the patent achieves a compact optical path while minimizing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reorganizes the spatial arrangement by positioning the second scanning lens closer to the image carrier and using a single reflection mirror at an optimized angle. This dimensional reorganization allows the optical path to be folded efficiently within a compact volume, reducing device size without sacrificing optical path length reduction.
3Length of stationary object
If the optical path length is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but the number of components must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the optical system. By using a specific lens configuration and single reflection mirror arrangement, the patent eliminates the need for multiple reflection mirrors and associated mounting structures, reducing component count while achieving a shorter optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the second scanning lens to serve multiple functions: it focuses light onto the image carrier, folds the optical path, and positions the reflected light at an optimized angle. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components, achieving compactness without increasing component count.
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 results in a more compact optical scanning device with reduced production costs and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector rotates about an axis to reflect the light beam having been emitted from the light source portion so as to cause the light beam to scan a circumferential surface of an image carrier in a main scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
The first scanning lens collects the light beam having been reflected by the deflector
Implementation Method 3
The second scanning lens causes the light beam having passed through the first scanning lens to form an image on the circumferential surface of the image carrier
Implementation Method 4
The pair of reflection mirrors, on an image formation optical path of the light beam, reflect the light beam having passed through the second scanning lens toward the image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning device includes a light source portion, a deflector, a first scanning lens, a second scanning lens, and a pair of reflection mirrors. The first scanning lens collects a light beam having been reflected by the deflector. The second scanning lens causes the light beam having passed through the first scanning lens to form an image on a circumferential surface of an image carrier. The pair of reflection mirrors, on an image formation optical path of the light beam, reflect the light beam having passed through the second scanning lens toward the image carrier. The light beam having been reflected by the pair of reflection mirrors passes between the first scanning lens and the second scanning lens to travel toward the image carrier.