Polygonal-Mirror Optical Scanning Assembly for Accessible Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of optical scanning apparatuses in image forming apparatuses with different types of photoconductive drums is inefficient due to differing positional relationships, leading to increased assembly costs and man-hours, especially when the main body frame is reversed upside down, making it difficult to access fixing positions and reducing assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning apparatus with a rotatable polygonal mirror and an optical box featuring multiple reference surfaces and planes, allowing attachment to different image forming apparatuses from a consistent orientation, using either the first or second set of reference surfaces depending on the apparatus type, with corresponding pressed portions for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical scanning apparatus is attached from below the support member, then the apparatus can be mounted on the second type of image forming apparatus, but the assembly worker has difficulty seeing attaching positions and fixing positions, and access to fixing positions is difficult due to small working space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple reference surfaces (first reference surface and second reference surface) positioned at different locations on the optical box, enabling the apparatus to be mounted from different directions (from above for first type, from below for second type) while maintaining proper positioning. This multi-dimensional attachment approach resolves the contradiction by providing direction-specific reference surfaces that accommodate different mounting orientations without compromising accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the main body frame is reversed upside down for assembly, then the optical scanning apparatus can be attached to the second type of image forming apparatus, but assembly man-hours increase and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides multiple reference surfaces positioned at different orientations on the optical box, allowing the apparatus to be mounted in the correct orientation regardless of whether it is being installed in a first type or second type of image forming apparatus. This eliminates the need to reverse the main body frame upside down, reducing assembly time and man-hours while maintaining compatibility with different apparatus types.
3Ease of manufacture
If a common housing is used for different types of image forming apparatuses, then costs are reduced, but positional relationships between photoconductive drums and optical scanning apparatuses differ, causing assembly issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical box design with multiple reference surfaces that can accommodate different types of image forming apparatuses. The first reference surface is used when mounting on first type apparatuses, while the second reference surface is used when mounting on second type apparatuses. This universal design allows a single housing to be used across different apparatus types while maintaining proper positional relationships through direction-specific reference surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple reference surfaces positioned at different orientations and locations on the optical box, enabling the same housing to adapt to different apparatus types by selecting the appropriate reference surface for mounting. This multi-dimensional reference surface approach allows a common housing to maintain positional compatibility across different apparatus types without requiring type-specific housings.
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 assembly efficiency by ensuring easy access to fixing positions and reducing assembly man-hours, while maintaining high optical performance by minimizing deformation and vibration, thus lowering costs and preserving optical characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector including a rotatable polygonal mirror configured to deflect light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a lens configured to focus the deflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus is disclosed that includes a light source, a deflector including a rotatable polygonal mirror configured to deflect laser light emitted from the light source, a lens configured to focus the deflected laser light, and an optical box configured to contain the deflector and the lens, with the optical box including a plurality of reference surfaces serving as an attaching surface to an image forming apparatus, and a plurality of planes arranged behind the plurality of reference surfaces along an axis of rotation of the rotatable polygonal mirror, and the axis of the rotation being parallel to the plurality of reference surfaces.