Oscillating Mirror Amplitude Control via Duty Ratio Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning devices struggle to finely adjust the oscillation amplitude of oscillating mirrors due to limitations in changing the amplification factor of amplifier circuits, leading to fluctuations in scan width and print quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning device with an oscillating mirror that adjusts its oscillation amplitude by changing the duty ratio of the driving signal applied to the mirror's electrodes, allowing for more precise control of the oscillation amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit is changed to adjust oscillation amplitude, then the oscillation amplitude can be adjusted, but the adjustment precision is insufficient and cannot be finely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being adjusted from amplification factor to duty ratio of the driving signal. By varying the duty ratio (the proportion of time the signal is high vs low in a periodic waveform), the oscillation amplitude can be precisely controlled without modifying circuit components like feedback resistors, thereby achieving fine adjustment capability while maintaining simple circuit structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical circuit adjustment mechanism (changing amplification factor via resistor values) with a signal waveform control mechanism (changing duty ratio). This substitution allows for digital or software-based control of oscillation amplitude, providing finer resolution and easier adjustment compared to physical circuit modifications
2Productivity
If the driving frequency is set near the resonance frequency to utilize resonance phenomenon, then the oscillation efficiency is improved, but the oscillation amplitude fluctuates significantly with slight changes in driving signal level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic driving signals with variable duty ratios to control the oscillating mirror. By adjusting the duty ratio of the periodic driving signal, the system can maintain stable oscillation amplitude even when operating near resonance frequency, because the average energy input can be precisely controlled through duty ratio adjustment rather than amplitude changes that cause resonance fluctuations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the driving signal characteristics (duty ratio) to adapt to resonance conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize oscillation efficiency while compensating for amplitude fluctuations, maintaining stability despite operating near the resonance frequency where the system is naturally sensitive to parameter changes
3Stability of the object's composition
If feedback control is used to maintain constant oscillation amplitude, then the scan width stability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional optical sensors and control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the oscillating mirror system to self-regulate its oscillation amplitude through direct control of the driving signal duty ratio. By monitoring the actual oscillation characteristics and adjusting the duty ratio accordingly, the system achieves stable scan width without requiring external optical sensors or complex feedback control circuits, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining stability
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 approach enables finer adjustments to the oscillation amplitude, stabilizing the scan width and maintaining high print quality by leveraging the duty ratio adjustments, which is more precise than altering the amplification factor.
Implementation Method 1
a driving unit that applies a wave-like driving signal to the pair of electrodes so as to oscillate the mirror oscillator by an electrostatic force corresponding to the driving signal
Implementation Method 2
When a laser beam is applied from a light source on the oscillating mirror oscillator, the laser beam reflected by the oscillating mirror is periodically scanned over a photosensitive member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning device is provided. The optical scanning device includes an oscillating mirror which has a pair of electrodes and a mirror oscillator, and which deflects a light beam; a driving unit which applies a wave-like driving signal to the pair of electrodes so as to oscillate the mirror oscillator by an electrostatic force corresponding to the driving signal; and an adjusting unit which changes a duty ratio of the driving signal to adjust an oscillation amplitude of the oscillating mirror.