Optical Unit Lens Fixation Without Adhesives
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical line sensors with rod lens arrays face issues with unreliable fixation due to adhesive use, complex manufacturing processes, and high costs, while also lacking in positional accuracy between the light receiving elements and the image forming lenses.
Innovation Solution
The optical unit includes an image forming lens and a pair of holding members with an elongated shape along the main scanning direction, where the lens is sandwiched and pressed by the holding members, eliminating the need for adhesives and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix the rod lens array to one frame, then the lens array can be fixed, but the fixation reliability is low and work takes time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The frame body is divided into a first frame and a second frame, with the rod lens array fixed to the first frame using an adhesive. The second frame is then coupled to the first frame, creating a distributed fixation structure that improves reliability while maintaining ease of assembly through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive is introduced as an intermediary substance between the rod lens array and the first frame to achieve secure fixation. The adhesive serves as a mediator that bonds the lens array to the frame structure, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring direct mechanical contact.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix the rod lens array, then fixation can be achieved, but manufacturing cost is high due to complicated frame body shapes requiring filling grooves
Solution Approach 1:
The frame body is segmented into multiple frames (first frame and second frame), allowing the adhesive to be applied only where necessary for fixing the rod lens array to the first frame. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity of the frame body structure, eliminating the need for complicated filling grooves and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining fixation reliability.
3Device complexity
If the rod lens array is fixed only to one frame, then assembly is simplified, but firm fixing is not guaranteed and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The first frame and second frame are merged into a unified structure through coupling, creating a combined frame assembly. The rod lens array is fixed to this merged structure, distributing the fixation load across both frames and improving overall fixation reliability while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedures.
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 ensures firm and reliable fixation of the image forming lens, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves positional accuracy between the light receiving elements and the image forming lenses.
Implementation Method 1
The image forming lens is sandwiched in a state of being pressed by a pair of the holding members arranged along the main scanning direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical unit (light receiving unit) is an optical unit for guiding light to a light receiving element provided along a main scanning direction (X direction), and includes an image forming lens and a pair of holding members. The image forming lens transmits light and forms an image on the light receiving element. A pair of the holding members holds the image forming lens. The image forming lens has an elongated shape along the main scanning direction, and is sandwiched in a state of being pressed by a pair of the holding members arranged along the main scanning direction.