Optical Shutter Array for Compact Image Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatuses have a complex structure, leading to large size and high manufacturing costs, and are limited in achieving compact and inexpensive designs, as well as print speed due to the limitations of laser scanning units.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic latent image forming medium using an optical shutter array on a transparent cylindrical frame member with a light source, photoconductive layer, and a flexible optical shutter array, allowing for compact design and high-speed printing without the need for a conventional laser scanning unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a laser scanning unit (LSU) with polygon mirror is used to form electrostatic latent image, then image forming function is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex laser scanning unit (LSU) including polygon mirror, focusing lens, and reflective mirror from the image forming apparatus. Instead, it uses a simple light source that emits light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining the essential image forming function through direct illumination of the photoconductive layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not using a scanning mechanism to illuminate the photoconductive layer line-by-line. Instead, it illuminates the entire photoconductive layer simultaneously with a stationary light source, reversing the sequence from sequential scanning to parallel simultaneous exposure, thereby simplifying the structure.
2Productivity
If laser scanning unit with rotating polygon mirror is used, then electrostatic latent image is formed line-by-line, but print speed is limited by maximum rotation speed of 55,000 rpm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous illumination of the entire photoconductive layer without the intermittent line-by-line scanning process. The stationary light source continuously exposes the whole surface at once, eliminating the rotational motion requirement and associated speed limitations, thereby achieving higher productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating polygon mirror system with a stationary light source configuration. This substitution eliminates the mechanical rotation constraint (maximum 55,000 rpm) by using a non-mechanical illumination approach where light is emitted perpendicular to the rotation axis, enabling unlimited print speed improvement.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional LSU with multiple optical components is used, then electrostatic latent image can be formed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes expensive optical components including the polygon mirror, focusing lens, and reflective mirror from the system. By eliminating these high-cost components and using a simple stationary light source with direct perpendicular illumination, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while maintaining reliable image forming function through the essential photoconductive layer exposure.
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
The solution enables a compact and cost-effective image forming apparatus with significantly increased print speed by forming electrostatic latent images simultaneously across the entire surface, rather than line-by-line, thereby overcoming the size and cost limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source disposed inside the frame member
Implementation Method 2
a photoconductive layer on which an electrostatic latent image is formed using light transmitted through the optical shutter array
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an electrostatic latent image forming medium, a charge unit charging the surface of the electrostatic latent image forming medium with a predetermined potential, a toner supply unit (TSU) supplying toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the electrostatic latent image forming medium to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and a transfer unit transferring the toner image to a print medium, the electrostatic latent image forming medium including a transparent frame member, a light source inside the frame member, an optical shutter array including a plurality of optical shutters, and a photoconductive layer on which the electrostatic latent image is formed using light transmitted through the optical shutter array. A diffuser may surround the light source to diffuse light to maintain the intensity of light reaching the optical shutters at a uniform level.