Rod Lens Array Fixing via Integrated Frame Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensor units require complex assembly processes and additional components, such as springs or screws, to accurately position and fix rod lens arrays, leading to increased costs and potential optical misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor unit features a frame with adjacent lens and linear illuminator storage compartments and pin insertion openings, allowing for precise positioning and fixation of the rod lens array using pressing pins and notches for adhesive application, eliminating the need for additional assembly components and ensuring complete curing of ultraviolet-curable adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional assembly methods using springs or screws are used to fix the rod lens array, then the rod lens array can be positioned and fixed, but the number of assembly components increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, optical positioning through reference surfaces, mechanical fixation through pin insertion openings, and adhesive application guidance through notches. This merging eliminates the need for separate springs, screws, and positioning fixtures, reducing component count while maintaining fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as a multi-functional assembly platform that simultaneously performs positioning, support, fixation, and alignment functions. The reference surfaces provide both mechanical support and optical alignment, while the pin insertion openings serve both as structural features and fixation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If conventional assembly methods using springs or screws are used to fix the rod lens array, then the rod lens array can be positioned and fixed, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-configured with reference surfaces, pin insertion openings, and notches during manufacturing. These features are prepared in advance to guide the assembly process, allowing the rod lens array to be quickly positioned and fixed without requiring complex assembly steps or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple assembly functions into the single frame structure, the number of assembly steps is reduced. The integrated design allows for faster assembly compared to using separate springs, screws, and positioning fixtures that would require multiple installation steps.
3Ease of operation
If the rod lens array is pressed against a vertical face for positioning, then positioning can be achieved, but optical misalignment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates specific reference surfaces with controlled geometries: a vertical reference surface for lateral positioning and a horizontal reference surface for height adjustment. These localized precision surfaces ensure accurate optical alignment while maintaining ease of operation through simple pressing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-formed with precise reference surfaces during manufacturing. The vertical and horizontal reference surfaces are prepared in advance with accurate geometries that guide the rod lens array into correct positioning, eliminating misalignment issues that would occur with generic pressing surfaces.
4Reliability
If ultraviolet-curable adhesive is applied to grooves for fixing, then fixing can be achieved, but complete curing may not be achieved if ultraviolet rays cannot reach all adhesive
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are designed to be open from the lens storage compartment to the linear illuminator storage compartment, creating a dynamic access path that allows ultraviolet rays to reach the adhesive from multiple angles during curing, ensuring complete curing while maintaining fixing reliability.
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 simplifies the assembly process, reduces component costs, and ensures accurate optical alignment, resulting in a CIS unit with improved precision and optical quality.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive made of an ultraviolet-curable resin is used to fix the rod lens array 109 to the frame 112
Implementation Method 2
a light-receiving sensor 110 in which photoelectric conversion elements for photoelectrically converting light whose image has been formed by the rod lens array 109
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor unit includes a frame storing a linear illuminator that linearly illuminates a document, a rod lens array is used to form an image of light reflected from the document irradiated by the linear illuminator, and a printed circuit board on which a light-receiving sensor that converts light whose image has been formed by the rod lens array into an electrical signal is mounted. In the frame, a lens storage compartment, a linear illuminator storage compartment, and the linear illuminator are adjacently arranged substantially in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction, with an inter-compartment portion formed in the frame interposed therebetween. At least one pin insertion opening is formed that extends from an inner wall of the lens storage compartment opposing the inter-compartment portion into an outside of the frame and through which a pressing pin is inserted, and in the inter-compartment portion, a face defining the lens storage compartment is formed as a vertical reference face with which a side plate of the rod lens array is brought into close contact for fixing. A notch used for applying an adhesive to the side plate of the rod lens array is disposed corresponding to the pin insertion opening and is formed to be open from the lens storage compartment to the linear illuminator storage compartment.