Tuning Fork Vibrator Optical Reflection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical reflection devices, such as those used in laser printers, face challenges in achieving a small size due to the limitations of polygon mirrors and their driving mechanisms, which hinder compact design and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The optical reflection device incorporates a mirror, a first support beam, a tuning fork vibrator, a second support beam, and a supporter, where the tuning fork vibrator is connected to the support beams to efficiently rotate the mirror, allowing for compact size and high-speed light reflection without the need for a separate driving device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional polygon mirror with separate driving device is used, then the light sweeping function is achieved, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving device and the polygon mirror into a single integrated resonant type optical scanning device. The resonant vibrator serves as both the driving mechanism and the scanning element, eliminating the need for separate driving motors and reduction gears, thus achieving compact size while maintaining the light sweeping function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration by employing a resonant vibrator that oscillates at its resonant frequency to rotate the polygon mirror. This resonance-based driving mechanism replaces conventional motor-driven systems, enabling high-speed scanning with minimal space requirements and without needing separate driving components
2Volume of moving object
If a conventional polygon mirror is used, then the light reflection function is achieved, but the device cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant vibrator operates at its natural resonant frequency to rotate the polygon mirror at high speeds. This vibration-based driving method enables the mirror to achieve high rotational velocities necessary for fast light sweeping, while the compact resonant structure allows miniaturization that would be impossible with conventional motor-driven systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving parameter from motor speed control to resonant frequency excitation. By utilizing the resonant frequency of the vibrator, the system achieves high-speed operation with a compact structure, as the resonant amplification allows small input forces to produce large rotational speeds in the mirror
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 enables a compact optical reflection device that efficiently reflects and sweeps light at high speeds, facilitating applications in small devices like laser printers and scanners while minimizing size and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a tuning fork vibrator connected to the first support beam
Implementation Method 2
tuning fork vibrator
Implementation Method 3
a mirror having a reflection surface configured to reflect light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical reflection device includes a mirror having a reflection surface configured to reflect light, a first support beam connected to the mirror, a tuning fork vibrator connected to the first support beam, a second support beam connected to the tuning fork vibrator, and a supporter connected to the second support beam. The first support beam has a first end connected to the mirror and a second end located on an opposite side to the first end, and extends along a center axis. The tuning fork vibrator includes a joining portion connected to the second end of the first support beam, a first arm extending from the first joining portion while separated from the first center axis, and a second arm extending from the first joining portion symmetrically to the first arm about the first center axis. The second support beam has a third end connected to the joining portion of the tuning fork vibrator and a fourth end located on an opposite side to the third end, and extends along the first center axis.