Scanner Module Light Guide Mounting and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanner modules with light emitting diodes suffer from issues such as scratches, bending, and imprecise assembly due to lack of proper mounting structures, leading to variations in light distribution and scanning performance, and increased power consumption results in reduced luminous intensity and thermal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A scanner module design incorporating a guide holder with elastic members and supporting protrusions to securely mount and align light guides, preventing scratches and bending, while maintaining straightness and reducing thermal expansion effects, and using light source holders to enhance luminous intensity and prevent light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light guide is mounted by sliding lengthwise into the case, then the assembly process is simple, but the light guide suffers damages such as scratches and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is divided into two distinct stages: first inserting the light guide through a guide holder that prevents damage, then securing it with fastening protrusions. This segmentation allows the guide holder to protect the light guide during insertion while the fastening mechanism ensures stable mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide holder acts as an intermediary component between the light guide and the case. It provides a protected pathway for the light guide during insertion and uses elastic members to gently hold the light guide in place, avoiding direct contact that could cause damage.
2Illumination intensity
If higher current or voltage is supplied to the light emitting diodes to enhance luminous intensity, then the light output is improved, but the temperature increases and luminous intensity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light guide, specifically the refractive index distribution, to improve light extraction efficiency. By optimizing the refractive index profile, more light is extracted from the light guide, increasing the effective luminous intensity without requiring higher power input that would raise the temperature.
3Stability of the object's composition
If both ends of the light guide are fixedly supported, then the mounting is stable, but the light guide bends or bows when it lengthens due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening protrusions are designed to engage with the light guide in a manner that allows for thermal expansion. The elastic members compressible between the guide holder and the light guide enable the mounting structure to adapt dynamically to temperature changes, maintaining both stability and straightness.
4Illumination intensity
If the light guide is made as an elongated transparent member to guide light, then the light distribution is achieved, but the light guide is prone to bending or bowing
Solution Approach 1:
The guide holder provides localized support at specific positions along the light guide using elastic members. This localized support prevents bending and bowing in critical areas while maintaining the overall elongated shape necessary for light distribution. The support is applied only where needed rather than along the entire length.
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 precise and durable light guide mounting, maintaining consistent light distribution and scanning quality, while reducing thermal deformation and power consumption, thus enhancing the scanner module's performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a guide holder that is capable of supporting the light guide while maintaining the light guide straight
Implementation Method 2
a light guide has been used to guide light, irradiated from light emitting diodes, to the desired illuminating position
Implementation Method 3
a scanner module employing white light emitting diodes as the light source has been developed
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner module and an image scanning apparatus employ an illuminator that includes at least one light emitting diode, a light guide to change the direction of the light from the light emitting diode, and a light source holder to which the light emitting diode is mounted, the light source holder being positioned in relation to the light guide such that the light source holder covers an incidence face of the light guide, on which the light from the light source is incident, the surface of light source holder facing the incidence face reflecting light incident thereupon. The reflection of light by the light source holder reduces the possibility of leakage of light, and can enhance luminous intensity of light of the illuminator.