Optical Scanning Device Substrate Alignment for Compact Laser Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices face challenges in achieving a compact size while maintaining high accuracy due to the requirement of equal optical path lengths for the polygonal mirror, semiconductor laser element, and synchronization detection element, which limits the arrangement of other components like circuit elements and capacitors.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device is designed with a base plate having a condenser lens between the base plate and a substrate that extends parallel to it, allowing the circuit elements to be mounted on the substrate surface opposite to the synchronization detection element, thus maintaining optical path equality while enabling flexible component arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the semiconductor laser element and synchronization detection element are mounted on the same surface of the base plate, then the arrangement is simple, but the optical path length equality cannot be maintained when other components are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a substrate that extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate, creating a third dimension for component arrangement. The semiconductor laser element is mounted on one surface of the substrate while the synchronization detection element is mounted on the other surface, allowing optical path length equality to be maintained while accommodating additional components like circuit elements and capacitors on the substrate without compromising the base plate's simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the substrate is oriented perpendicular to the base plate to maintain optical path equality, then the optical precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the substrate perpendicular to the base plate, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate the optical path length equality requirement. This spatial arrangement allows the synchronization detection element to be positioned at the correct optical distance from the polygonal mirror while keeping the overall device footprint compact, as components are stacked vertically rather than spread horizontally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all components are mounted on the substrate, then component integration is high, but the substrate size and device height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the component mounting locations into two segments: the base plate for the polygonal mirror and other optical components, and the substrate for the semiconductor laser element, synchronization detection element, circuit elements, and capacitors. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally for its function while maintaining compact overall dimensions, avoiding the need for a single large substrate that would increase device height.
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 allows for a compact optical scanning device with high accuracy, enabling the detection of light with high sensitivity and precise synchronization, while allowing for the free arrangement of circuit elements, thereby enhancing the device's size efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser lens (21). The base plate (22a) has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The light source (3) is mounted on the first surface of the base plate (22a). The light source (3) emits a light beam. The reflecting body (12a) is mounted on the first surface of the base plate (22a). The reflecting body (12a) deflects and scans the light beam emitted from the light source (3). The condenser lens (21) is mounted on the first surface of the base plate (22a. The condenser lens is located between the base plate and the substrate. The substrate extends substantially parallel with the base plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser-control circuit board is mounted in a scanner to extend substantially parallel to a base plate, a bottom cover, and a top cover of the scanner. A synchronization detection element is attached to the under surface of the laser-control circuit board. A light beam is emitted from a light source, deflected by a polygon mirror, and is guided below the laser-control circuit board by various optical elements including a condenser lens, thereby being finally detected by the synchronization detection element. A through-hole is formed through the laser-control circuit board to check whether the synchronization detection element is in alignment with the condenser lens and other optical elements below the laser-control circuit board.