Segmented Support Member for Thermal Expansion in Illumination Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image reading devices face challenges in maintaining consistent linear light emission due to thermal expansion and warping of light guide members, leading to variations in illumination intensity and quality.

Innovation Solution

A support member is divided into two parts with a gap between them, extending in a direction crossing the light guide members to absorb thermal expansion deformation, and is mounted on a sheet metal member to prevent warping, ensuring consistent light emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the light guide member is supported by a rigid support member, then the light guide member is stably supported, but thermal expansion deformation causes warping and inconsistent light emission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of light guide memberVSAvoidconsistency of light emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple support parts separated by gaps. This segmentation allows each support part to independently accommodate thermal expansion of the light guide member without causing cumulative warping, while still providing stable support throughout the longitudinal direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member's structure is changed by introducing gaps between support parts, transforming it from a rigid continuous structure to a flexible segmented structure. This parameter change enables the support member to adapt to thermal expansion while maintaining support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the support member is made as a single continuous piece, then the structure is simple and strong, but it cannot absorb thermal expansion deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of support memberVSAvoidability to absorb thermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into multiple parts with gaps between them. Each segment maintains sufficient strength to support the light guide member, while the gaps collectively provide the adaptability needed to absorb thermal expansion deformation along the longitudinal direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic segmented structure where the gaps allow controlled movement and deformation. This enables the support member to adapt its configuration in response to thermal expansion while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the light guide member is continuously supported along its length, then support stability is high, but thermal expansion causes warping and light emission variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidconsistency of light emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous support is segmented into discrete support parts spaced along the longitudinal direction. Each support part maintains local stability and support function, while the gaps between segments allow thermal expansion to occur without causing cumulative warping that would affect light emission consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 stabilizes the light guide members, reducing variations in light emission and maintaining consistent illumination intensity and quality, while also preventing warping and improving manufacturing by using a hat-shaped sectional mold design.

Implementation Method 1

A gap is provided between the one side divided part and the other side divided part. The gap extends in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the light guide member and absorbs thermal expansion deformation of each divided part in the longitudinal direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

Light emitted from the light emitting diode is diffused to the whole area in the longitudinal direction by the light guide member, and is emitted from the light emitting part as linear light.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10400998B2Illumination device and image reading device including the same

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An illumination device includes a light emitting unit, a light guide member, in which one end part in a longitudinal direction has a rod shape facing the light emitting unit, and is formed on a peripheral surface thereof with a light emitting part extending in the longitudinal direction, and a support member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the light guide member and supports the light guide member, wherein the support member is divided into a one side divided part and the other side divided part in the longitudinal direction of the light guide member, and a gap is provided between a support surface of the light guide member in the one side divided part and a support surface of the light guide member in the other side divided part.