Optical Scanning Unit Light Shield for Laser Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanner packages face issues with irregular image generation due to backlight from the light source, which degrades image quality and stability, especially when surface reflected light enters the light path and affects laser beam oscillation.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning unit incorporates a rotatable mirror and a light shield to deflect the laser beam efficiently, with the mirror's position ensuring the light path of surface reflected light deviates from the scanning region, and a light shield positioned to absorb or diffuse the reflected light, preventing it from entering the light path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a light transmission window is disposed on the light path from the light source, then the optical deflector can transmit light efficiently, but surface reflected light enters the light path and causes irregular image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful surface reflected light from the optical system by introducing a light shield that blocks the reflected light path. The light shield is positioned to intercept light reflected from the light transmission window surface, preventing it from entering the light path and causing irregular images, while maintaining the light transmission function of the window.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield acts as an intermediary element between the light transmission window and the light path. It mediates the interaction by absorbing or blocking the harmful reflected light while allowing the main light transmission function to continue uninterrupted, thus resolving the contradiction between optical efficiency and image quality.
2Reliability
If surface reflected light enters the light path, then the light path is blocked, but adding a light shield increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield is strategically positioned to extract only the harmful reflected light from the optical system without interfering with the main light path. By targeting specifically the reflected light path from the light transmission window, the shield removes the stability issue while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the rotatable mirror deflects light to the surface, then scanning function is achieved, but reflected light from the surface returns to affect laser oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of surface reflected light by using the light shield to intercept and absorb it. The reflected light that would otherwise destabilize laser oscillation is now captured by the light shield, transforming a harmful feedback loop into a controlled energy dissipation path, thereby maintaining both scanning functionality and laser stability.
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 optical efficiency, prevents irregular image formation, and ensures stable scanning by isolating surface reflected light, thereby improving image quality and maintaining laser stability.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmission window disposed on a light path from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable mirror that includes a reflecting surface to reflect light that goes through the light transmission window into the light transmission window and to deflect the light from the light source toward a surface
Implementation Method 3
a light shield disposed on a light path of reflected light of the light from the light source reflected by a surface of the light transmission window
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning unit includes a light source, an optical deflector that includes a light transmission window disposed on a light path from the light source and a rotatable mirror that includes a reflecting surface to reflect light that goes through the light transmission window into the light transmission window and to deflect the light from the light source toward a surface, and a light shield disposed on a light path of reflected light of the light from the light source reflected by a surface of the light transmission window.