Optical Scanning Systems Polygon Mirror Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method to manufacture optical scanning systems with different effective scanning widths using optical systems for receiving light of the same type and imaging optical systems of the same type, but with different polygon mirrors, to reduce costs and enable downsizing of printers and multifunctional copiers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves designing scanning optical systems with different polygon mirrors while maintaining the same imaging optical system and adjusting the size and position of the scanning lens to achieve varying effective scanning widths, ensuring the reference point of deflection remains consistent and adjusting the lateral magnification in the sub-scanning direction within specific ratios to control curvature of field differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different polygon mirrors are used to achieve different effective scanning widths, then scanning width variability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple polygon mirror types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the effective scanning width parameter of the polygon mirror while keeping the basic structure and type consistent. This allows different scanning widths to be achieved through parameter adjustment rather than completely different mirror designs, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single polygon mirror structure that can function with multiple effective scanning widths. The mirror is configured to serve multiple functions (different scanning widths) through parameter variation, eliminating the need for entirely separate mirror types and simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the same imaging optical system is used for different scanning widths, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but imaging precision deteriorates due to curvature of field differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the lateral magnification parameter of the imaging optical system to compensate for curvature of field differences. This allows the same optical system to maintain imaging precision across different scanning widths through parameter adjustment, achieving both cost reduction and precision maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the lateral magnification is adjusted based on the curvature of field characteristics for each scanning width. This feedback loop ensures that imaging precision is maintained despite using the same optical system for different scanning widths, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and imaging precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If lateral magnification is adjusted to control curvature of field, then imaging performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the lateral magnification parameter through simple geometric modifications to the imaging optical system. This approach improves imaging performance through parameter adjustment rather than adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while achieving better imaging results.
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 allows for the production of optical scanning systems with different effective scanning widths while maintaining imaging performance and reducing manufacturing costs, ensuring stable production yields and acceptable curvature of field ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a reference point of deflection is located at the position of the reference point of deflection of the first scanning optical system, the reference point of deflection being a point of reflection on a reflecting surface of a ray of light when an angle of deflection of the reflected ray is 0
Implementation Method 2
adjusting a size and a position of the scanning lens so as to adjust a lateral magnification in a cross section in the sub-scanning direction of the imaging optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing optical scanning systems by which plural optical scanning systems with different effective scanning widths can be manufactured by changing a polygon mirror alone is provided. The method includes the steps of designing a first scanning optical system using a first polygon mirror corresponding to a first value of effective scanning width; designing a second scanning optical system provided with a second polygon mirror corresponding to a second value of effective scanning width, the second value being smaller than the first value, wherein a reference point of deflection is located at the position of the reference point of deflection of the first scanning optical system; and adjusting a size and a position of the scanning lens so as to adjust a lateral magnification in a cross section in the sub-scanning direction of the imaging optical system.