Optical Sensor Housing Resin Layer Stabilizes Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors for image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately discriminating between different brands of recording media due to variations in polarization ratios, which affect the detection of P-polarized light components originating from the light source, leading to inconsistent image formation quality.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor system includes a light source unit emitting S-polarized light at an inclined angle, a polarizing optical element to separate P-polarized components from diffuse reflection, and a housing structure that minimizes compressive stress on the light source unit, ensuring consistent polarization ratios and accurate detection of P-polarized light components from the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the light source unit is directly contacted and fixed to the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but the polarization ratio varies due to compressive stress
Solution Approach 1:
A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the light source unit and the housing. This resin layer fills the gap and bonds the light source unit to the housing without transmitting compressive stress to the light source unit, thereby maintaining both structural stability and polarization ratio consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The resin layer acts as a cushioning element that prevents compressive stress from being applied to the light source unit during assembly. By providing this protective layer in advance, the invention prevents variation in polarization ratio before it can occur
2Volume of moving object
If the gap between the light source unit and housing is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the polarization ratio becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer serves as a mediator that enables the light source unit to be positioned close to the housing while preventing direct contact that would cause compressive stress. This allows for compact design without compromising polarization ratio stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the gap-filling material from air (empty space) to resin, which has appropriate adhesive and cushioning properties. This parameter change allows for reduced gap size while maintaining light source unit stability and polarization consistency
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 accuracy of recording medium discrimination, reducing variations in output and improving the quality of image formation by stabilizing the polarization ratio and accurately detecting P-polarized light components, thereby enabling precise brand identification and optimal image forming conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit having a light source, the irradiation system configured to emit a linearly polarized light of a first polarization direction onto a surface of an object
Implementation Method 2
a polarizing optical element disposed on an optical path of the light that is emitted from the irradiation system and reflected by diffuse reflection from an incident plane of the object and configured to separate a linearly polarized light component of a second polarization direction from the light emitted from the irradiation system, the second polarization direction being orthogonal to the first polarization direction
Implementation Method 3
a first photodetector configured to receive the linearly polarized light component of the second polarization direction separated by the polarizing optical element
Implementation Method 4
a housing supporting the irradiation system, the polarizing optical element, and the first photodetector, where the light source unit is fixed to the housing in a light emitting direction of the light source unit via space
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor including an irradiation system including an irradiation system including a light source unit having a light source, the irradiation system configured to emit a linearly polarized light of a first polarization direction onto a surface of an object, a polarizing optical element disposed on an optical path of the light that is emitted from the irradiation system and reflected by diffuse reflection from an incident plane of the object and configured to separate a linearly polarized light component of a second polarization direction, a first photodetector configured to receive the linearly polarized light component of the second polarization direction separated by the polarizing optical element, and a housing supporting the irradiation system, the polarizing optical element, and the first photodetector, where the light source unit is fixed to the housing in a light emitting direction of the light source unit via space.