Optical Scanner Mirror Fixing Structure for Smooth Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanners face issues with deteriorating assemblability due to the optical elements, such as folding mirrors, getting caught during assembly, requiring repeated insertion and removal to achieve proper positioning.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanner incorporates a fixing structure with a first support wall, a second support wall, and a biasing member, featuring a support projection with an inclined surface and a second angle greater than 90 degrees, allowing easy insertion and stable fixation of the optical elements without catching, enhancing assemblability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical element is inserted between the first support wall and the biasing member, then the optical element can be fixed in the thickness and width directions, but the side of the optical element may come into contact with the support projection and become caught, requiring repeated insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The support projection is provided with an inclined surface instead of a vertical surface, creating a sloped guide that allows the optical element to smoothly slide into its final position. The inclined surface has a second angle less than 90 degrees relative to the bottom surface, which is gentler than the first angle of the optical element's bottom surface, enabling the element to pass over the support projection without catching on the side.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support projection has a vertical surface, then the optical element can be firmly positioned, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface is provided in advance on the support projection, preparing a guided path for the optical element before assembly begins. This preliminary geometric feature ensures that during assembly, the optical element automatically follows the inclined surface into the correct position, eliminating the need for repeated insertion and removal operations.
3Measurement precision
If the optical element is firmly fixed between the support walls, then the reflection angle is precisely defined, but the assembly process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface is provided locally on the support projection at the specific location where the optical element needs guidance. This localized geometric feature provides the necessary assembly aid only where needed, without adding complexity to other parts of the fixing structure. The inclined surface gently guides the optical element into position while the rest of the support walls maintain their simple wall-shaped rib structure for firm fixation.
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 improved configuration enables stable and efficient assembly of optical elements, reducing assembly difficulties and ensuring precise positioning, thereby improving the overall assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element has a reflecting surface formed on one side in a thickness direction to reflect the light beam deflected by the deflector
Implementation Method 2
The imaging lens focuses the light beam onto the photoreceptor drum
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner is provided with a light source, a deflector, an optical element, an imaging lens, a fixing structure, and a housing. The optical element has a reflecting surface. The fixing structure has a first support wall, a second support wall and a biasing member. The first support wall has a support projection with a tip part protruding along a thickness direction toward a rear surface and abutting on the rear surface, and an inclined surface extending from a tip part to a side opposite to the second support wall. A first angle between a first straight line extending in the perpendicular direction orthogonal to a bottom surface of the housing and a surface of the optical element is smaller than a second angle between the first straight line and the inclined surface. The second angle is less than 90 degrees.