Integrally Formed Holder for Optical Scanning Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning apparatuses face challenges in maintaining precise alignment between the light source and the lens, leading to potential deviations in the light path and optical characteristics, which can result in suboptimal image formation and scanning quality.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning apparatus employs a holder with integrally formed wall portions that securely position the light source and lens, including a pair of third wall portions to prevent deformation and maintain the light path alignment, ensuring the light-emitting center of the source coincides with the lens's optical axis, thereby stabilizing the optical system and enhancing scanning precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the light source and lens are held by a simple holder structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision between the light-emitting center and optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into multiple wall portions (first wall portion for light source, second wall portion for lens, and third wall portions for light path placement) that are integrally formed. This segmentation allows each wall portion to independently control and maintain the position of specific components, ensuring precise alignment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wall portions are integrally formed as a single holder structure, combining the functions of supporting the light source, supporting the lens, and protecting the light path into one unified component. This merging ensures consistent alignment relationships between components while reducing the overall number of parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If the holder structure is made more rigid to maintain alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wall portions are integrally formed as a single holder structure, combining the functions of supporting the light source, supporting the lens, and protecting the light path into one unified component. This merging ensures consistent alignment relationships between components while reducing the overall number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure provides localized rigidity where needed - the first wall portion secures the light source, the second wall portion secures the lens, and the third wall portions specifically protect the light path. This localized structural quality ensures alignment precision without requiring the entire holder to be overly complex or rigid throughout.
3Device complexity
If the light path is not properly protected, then the device complexity is reduced, but the optical characteristics deteriorate due to light path deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into multiple wall portions (first wall portion for light source, second wall portion for lens, and third wall portions for light path placement) that are integrally formed. This segmentation allows each wall portion to independently control and maintain the position of specific components, ensuring precise alignment while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The third wall portions act as intermediary structures that physically protect and define the light path between the light source and lens. These wall portions serve as a mechanical barrier that prevents deviations in the light path while being part of the integral holder structure, thus protecting optical characteristics without adding separate complex protective mechanisms.
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 enhances the rigidity of the holder components, preventing deviations and ensuring consistent alignment, which improves the optical characteristics and scanning quality by maintaining the desired light path and reducing temperature-related issues through effective heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to guide the light from the light source to the deflector
Implementation Method 2
a deflector configured to deflect and scan the light from the light source and guide the light to the photoconductor
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an optical scanning apparatus for exposing a photoconductor includes a light source configured to radiate light, a deflector configured to deflect and scan the light from the light source and guide the light to the photoconductor, a lens configured to guide the light from the light source to the deflector and a holder configured to hold the light source and the lens. The holder includes a first wall portion for holding the light source, a second wall portion for holding the lens, and a pair of third wall portions which are integrally formed with the first and second wall portions to place the light path between the light source and the lens.