Segmented Lens Array for High-Precision Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens arrays in optical systems, such as those used in electrophotographic image formation and reading apparatuses, are difficult to form with high accuracy due to their length.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a configuration of a first lens plate forming an inverted reduced image and a second lens plate forming an inverted enlarged image, with light emitting elements arranged linearly at a specific pitch, where the shift in the arrangement pitch between the first lenses satisfies the condition 0<s<<(m÷(1−m)×PD), facilitating the formation of the lens array and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional lens arrays are used in optical systems, then image formation is achieved, but the lens arrays are long and difficult to form with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens array into multiple separate lens plates (first lens plate and second lens plate) positioned at different locations in the optical path. Each lens plate contains multiple lenses arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows each lens plate to be formed independently with standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the difficulty of forming a single long lens array with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of lenses to a two-dimensional arrangement where lenses are positioned on multiple plates at different spatial locations. The lens plates are arranged such that their optical axes align, creating an effective optical path that achieves the required imaging function without requiring a single long continuous structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If lens arrays are made shorter to facilitate formation, then manufacturing becomes easier, but image quality may deteriorate due to reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens plate is designed with specific local optical properties and lens arrangements optimized for its position in the optical path. The first lens plate and second lens plate have different lens configurations that work together to achieve the overall imaging function. This allows each component to be manufactured with standard precision while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate imaging structures and positioning mechanisms that mediate between the separate lens plates. These intermediaries ensure proper alignment and spacing between the lens plates, maintaining optical accuracy without requiring the entire assembly to be manufactured as a single precision component.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple lens plates are used to facilitate formation, then manufacturing is easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens plates and their supporting structures into an integrated optical assembly. The lens plates are positioned and fixed relative to each other and to the LED array, creating a unified structure that functions as a complete optical system. This merging reduces the complexity of assembly and alignment while maintaining manufacturing advantages.
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 configuration allows for the accurate formation of lens arrays, even with reduced accuracy, resulting in high-quality images without streaks or density spots, and enhances the image formation and reading processes by maintaining image contrast and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens plate including first lenses arranged substantially linearly and configured to form an intermediate image, being an inverted reduced image of an object
Implementation Method 2
a second lens plate including second lenses arranged substantially linearly in an arrangement direction of the first lenses and configured to form an inverted enlarged image of the intermediate image on a light reception surface
Data Source
AI summary
An exposure device includes a first lens plate including first lenses arranged substantially linearly and configured to form an intermediate image being an inverted reduced image of an object, a second lens plate including second lenses arranged substantially linearly in an arrangement direction of the first lenses and configured to form an inverted enlarged image of the intermediate image on a light reception surface, and light emitting elements arranged substantially linearly at pitch PD in the arrangement direction. A shift s in an arrangement pitch between the first lenses in the arrangement direction satisfies 0<s<(m÷(1−m)×PD) where magnification m of the first lenses is a ratio of a size of the intermediate image to a size of the object.