Radial Microstructure Light Guide for Uniform Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guide bodies in image reading devices face challenges such as non-uniform illumination, difficulty in assembly, and the occurrence of shadows due to biased illumination angles when dealing with objects having protuberances and recesses, as well as increased costs and complexity in manufacturing and processing.
Innovation Solution
A light guide body with a columnar main body and a band region featuring microstructured light reflection members that extend radially in multiple directions, allowing for uniform illumination by scattering light in various directions, thus addressing the issues of non-uniformity and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If recessed sections or protruding sections are formed linearly in the width direction of the band region, then the light guide body structure is simplified, but the emitted light cannot spread uniformly in the width direction and assembly accuracy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The band region is divided into multiple rectangular light reflection members arranged in the width direction, with each member having microstructures on its emission plane. This segmentation allows each member to independently control light reflection, achieving uniform light spreading without requiring high assembly accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each rectangular light reflection member is equipped with specific microstructures (protruding or recessed sections) on its emission plane, creating local optical properties that differ from the linear microstructures in the lengthwise direction. This local quality enhancement ensures uniform light distribution in the width direction while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If linear microstructures are formed in the lengthwise direction of the band region, then manufacturing is simplified, but biased illumination angle occurs causing shadows on objects with protuberances and recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The band region is segmented into multiple rectangular light reflection members, each with microstructures on its emission plane. This segmentation enables controlled light reflection in multiple directions, preventing shadow formation on objects with surface variations while maintaining ease of manufacturing through standardized microstructure patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The microstructures on the emission planes of rectangular light reflection members are designed with asymmetric configurations (protruding or recessed sections) that differ from the linear microstructures in the lengthwise direction. This asymmetry creates diversified light reflection angles, eliminating shadows on objects with protuberances and recesses.
3Illumination intensity
If a light scattering member is attached to the circumferential surface by film or coating, then light scattering function is added, but molding accuracy is difficult to achieve and additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The light scattering function is merged with the light guide body structure itself by forming microstructures directly on the emission planes of the rectangular light reflection members during the molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate light scattering members, attachments, or additional processing steps, while achieving uniform light scattering.
4Illumination intensity
If semi-ellipse shaped light reflection members are formed with varying shapes by position, then uniform illumination distribution is achieved in sub-scanning direction, but uniformity in main scanning direction cannot be achieved and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each rectangular light reflection member is equipped with microstructures on its emission plane, creating local optical properties that enhance light scattering. This local quality enhancement achieves uniform illumination in both sub-scanning and main scanning directions while maintaining consistent rectangular shapes, reducing device complexity.
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
The solution ensures uniform illumination of the reading target object, reduces assembly complexity, and allows for the use of a broad range of wavelengths without additional processing steps, effectively eliminating shadows and improving illumination uniformity across the main and sub-scanning directions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light reflection members arranged in the band region portion, each light reflection member of the plurality of light reflection members being formed by a microstructure comprising protruding parts extending radially in at least three directions from a reference point in the band region portion
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide body (2) includes a light guide main body (21), a band region (4), and radial microstructures (5). The light guide main body (21) is columnar, and light enters the light guide main body (21) from at least one end portion (3). The band region (4) is formed extending in the lengthwise direction of a portion of a circumferential surface of the light guide main body (21). The radial microstructures (5) are arranged in the band region (4) and are formed as microstructures that each have protruding parts extending radially in at least three directions in a band region portion from a reference point.