Polygon Mirror Cooling Casing for High-Speed Print Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning apparatuses face issues with thermal deformation due to high-speed rotation of the polygon mirror, leading to reduced print precision and increased cost or size due to additional cooling mechanisms like heatsinks or enlarged casings.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning apparatus is designed with a casing that includes a first space for the polygon mirror and a second space separated by a partition wall, where the second space is positioned further from the rotary shaft and overlaps with the first space, allowing for efficient airflow cooling without increasing size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the polygon mirror is rotated at a higher speed to achieve higher printing speed, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature increases causing thermal deformation and deteriorating manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into multiple spaces (first space for polygon mirror, second space for light source) separated by partition walls. This segmentation allows independent thermal management zones, enabling the polygon mirror to be cooled effectively without affecting other components, thus maintaining print precision while allowing high-speed rotation for improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls are introduced as intermediary structures between the polygon mirror and light source spaces. These partition walls with communicating spaces act as thermal barriers and airflow channels, facilitating targeted cooling of the polygon mirror while preventing heat transfer to other components, thereby resolving the contradiction between high-speed operation and thermal deformation
2Manufacturing precision
If a heatsink is additionally disposed to cool the polygon mirror and board, then the temperature is reduced preventing thermal deformation, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, creates segmented cooling zones through partition walls, and facilitates natural convection cooling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated heatsinks while maintaining print precision through effective thermal management, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical scanning apparatus utilizes natural convection of air within the segmented casing spaces for self-cooling. The partition walls with communicating spaces enable hot air to rise and be replaced by cooler air automatically, creating a self-sustaining cooling circulation that eliminates the need for external heatsinks or active cooling systems, thus simplifying the overall structure
3Manufacturing precision
If a box is disposed above the casing to exchange heat, then the temperature is reduced preventing thermal deformation, but the volume of the device increases in the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The second space for light source accommodation is nested within the overall casing structure, overlapping with the first space in the axial direction. This nesting arrangement allows the cooling and lighting functions to be integrated within the existing footprint, eliminating the need for additional external boxes and preventing increase in the overall device volume while maintaining effective thermal management
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 cooling performance, reduces thermal deformation, and maintains print precision while preventing increases in size and cost, thereby improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a polygon mirror including a plurality of reflecting surfaces configured to reflect light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the interior of the casing is cooled by the convection of the air contained in the casing and the box
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, a polygon mirror including a plurality of reflecting surfaces configured to reflect light emitted from the light source, the polygon mirror being configured to be rotated around a rotary shaft, and a casing configured to accommodate the light source and the polygon mirror. The casing defines a first space that accommodates the polygon mirror and a second space that is different from the first space, the casing including a partition wall disposed between the first space and the second space. The second space is disposed further from the rotary shaft than the partition wall in a radial direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the rotary shaft, and is disposed such that the second space overlaps with the first space in the axial direction.