Rotating Reflection Units for Simplified Light Guide Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guide devices for scanning applications have complex structures for switching light paths, which complicates the process and leaves room for improvement.
Innovation Solution
A light guide device with a simple configuration using a series of reflection units lined up along the light's travel direction, where each unit includes a first light guide member that can switch between reflecting and passing states by rotating, allowing for mechanical switching of the scanning area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beam switching member is electrically controlled to switch the light path, then the scanning area can be switched, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide device is divided into multiple reflection units (first, second, third reflection units), each with its own light guide member that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different scanning areas to be covered by different units, enabling scanning area switching without requiring a complex beam switching member.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a beam switching member to actively direct the light path to different scanning areas, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple reflection units that passively reflect light to different areas. The light path switching is achieved by having multiple fixed reflection surfaces rather than one movable beam switching member.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple scanning units are used to cover different scanning areas, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each reflection unit serves multiple functions: it reflects light to a specific scanning area, acts as a beam splitter for subsequent units, and can be independently controlled. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended scanning coverage using a modular approach where each unit contributes to both its own scanning area and the overall system coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection units are arranged in a nested configuration where the second reflection unit is positioned behind the first, and the third behind the second. Each unit's light guide member can reflect light at different angles, creating overlapping scanning areas that collectively cover a larger total area without requiring separate independent scanning systems.
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
Enables efficient switching of scanning areas with a simplified structure, allowing for precise control over the scanning process and flexible scanning patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide member 51 that reflects incident light L1
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide device includes reflection units that reflect incident light so as to guide it to irradiate on an object. The units are lined up along a traveling direction of the incident light. Each of the units includes a first light guide member that reflects the incident light. Each of the units is switched between a reflecting state in which the first member reflects the incident light and a passing state in which the incident light passes through, by rotation of the first member. Timing of being in the reflecting state differs among the units. In the reflecting state, the reflected light due to reflection of the incident light is deflected as the first member rotates. The reflected light is led to an irradiated point included in a scanning area in which the unit scans the object to be irradiated. The scanning areas of the units are lined up in parallel with the traveling direction of the incident light.