Optical Scanning Unit Laser Diode Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, especially full-color machines, directional deviations of light beams due to clearance between the laser diode unit and the optical housing can cause misalignment of color images and degrade image quality, particularly when multiple LD units are used.
Innovation Solution
A fixing member, such as a leaf spring with stoppers, is used to apply constant pressure perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source unit, ensuring precise positioning and reducing movement between the LD unit and the optical housing, thereby maintaining optimal light beam direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the LD unit is fixed to the optical housing with a fastening member such as screw, then the position of the LD unit is stable, but the device complexity increases and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from a complex fastening mechanism and implements it through a simple stopper structure that limits movement in specific directions. The stopper is separated from the main housing body, creating a dedicated positioning element that simplifies the overall fixing mechanism while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent stoppers (first stopper, second stopper, third stopper) that each constrain movement in different directions. This segmentation allows each stopper to be optimized for its specific directional constraint while collectively providing comprehensive positional stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic members are used to fix the LD unit, then ease of manufacture improves, but position stability deteriorates due to clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the LD unit and the optical housing. It provides a precise mechanical interface that defines the positional relationship between these two components, eliminating clearance issues while maintaining ease of assembly through the simple stopper insertion mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LD units are used for full-color imaging, then image forming capability improves, but alignment precision deteriorates due to cumulative positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper-based positioning system provides a universal reference framework that can accommodate multiple LD units (red, green, blue) with consistent positional relationships. Each LD unit uses the same stopper mechanism, ensuring uniformity and precision across all color channels, which is essential for accurate color image formation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning unit may include a light source unit configured to emit a light beam, an optical housing configured to receive and support the light source unit, an optical device configured to deflect the light beam and to focus the light beam on a light receiving member, and a fixing member configured to fix the light source unit to the optical housing by applying pressure to the light source unit, wherein the pressure is applied in a direction, which is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the light source unit.