Scanning Lens Positioning via Elastic Retainer and Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices face challenges in precisely positioning and maintaining the scanning lens relative to the casing, especially under physical impacts, and often require additional assembly steps or compromise on component count and environmental stability.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device employs an elastic member and a limiting portion to urge the scanning lens toward the casing in the optical axis direction, with a gap between the elastic member and limiting portion to allow precise positioning and movement regulation, ensuring the lens remains securely fixed despite impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent leaf spring is used to press the scanning lens in both the optical axis direction and height direction, then the lens can be secured in position, but additional assembly steps are required and the lens may be subjected to unwanted moments if the force direction deviates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing function and positioning function are merged into a single springy retainer component. The retainer simultaneously presses the lens in the optical axis direction while preventing displacement in the height direction through its integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for independent leaf springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The springy retainer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a pressing mechanism (providing elastic force in the optical axis direction) and a positioning mechanism (preventing lens displacement in the height direction). This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Force
If the springy retainer is increased in pressing force in the optical axis direction, then the lens is more securely fixed, but the force in the height direction is reduced, causing lens deviation under impact
Solution Approach 1:
The springy retainer is designed with different structural characteristics at different locations: the portion contacting the lens provides strong pressing force in the optical axis direction, while the portion extending in the height direction provides positioning stability. This localized functional differentiation allows the retainer to provide adequate force in both directions without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure extends into the height direction (secondary scan direction) to provide positioning stability, while maintaining pressing function in the optical axis direction. By utilizing another spatial dimension, the design achieves both strong pressing force and impact resistance without the trade-off present in single-direction designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is used to prevent lens shifting in the secondary scan direction, then positioning is improved, but the number of assembly steps increases and position may be affected by environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical springy retainer structure replaces the need for adhesive bonding. The retainer's elastic deformation and geometric constraints provide positioning precision in the secondary scan direction through mechanical means, eliminating adhesive application steps and avoiding environmental sensitivity associated with adhesive bonding.
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 design allows for precise and stable positioning of the scanning lens, maintaining image quality even under physical impacts during shipment or use, while minimizing assembly steps and component count.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member for urging the scanning lens toward the casing in a direction of an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus includes a deflector for scanningly deflecting a beam; a scanning lens for imaging the beam deflected by the deflector on a surface; a casing for a light source, the deflector and the lens; and an elastic member urging the lens toward the casing along an optical axis. The lens is provided with an abutment at a beam emergent side of the lens, the abutment abutting to the casing, and is provided with a limiting portion at a side opposite from the emergent side, the limiting portion limiting movement in the opposite direction. The elastic member and the limiting portion limits the movement of the lens in the direction opposite to the direction of the lens. When the lens contacts a positioning portion of the casing, a gap is provided between the elastic member and the limiting portion with respect to the direction.