Miniature Two-Axis Pointing System with Ultrasonic Motors
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Summary
Problems
Existing miniature two-axis pointing systems face challenges in miniaturization, particularly for payloads between 10 mm and 20 mm in diameter, due to limitations in materials, actuation voltage, angular range, and dynamic response, as well as the lack of integrated drive and control electronics.
Innovation solutions
A compact two-axis angular pointing device is designed with a pivot bearing and two actuators positioned at orthogonal drive points, allowing for rotation around two axes, using piezoelectric ultrasonic motors and flexible printed circuits for actuation and control, enabling efficient and precise movement of a wide range of payloads.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If nested gimbal mechanisms or two-mirror galvanometer driven devices are used for larger payloads, then the pointing system can support bigger payloads, but the system becomes difficult to miniaturize and increases in size
Why choose this principle:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gimbal mechanisms with a single-pivot bearing design driven by two ultrasonic motors. This substitution eliminates the need for nested mechanical structures, enabling miniaturization while maintaining payload support capability through direct acoustic mechanical actuation of the mirror surface.
Principle concept:
If nested gimbal mechanisms or two-mirror galvanometer driven devices are used for larger payloads, then the pointing system can support bigger payloads, but the system becomes difficult to miniaturize and increases in size
Why choose this principle:
The patent integrates the drive electronics directly within the mirror assembly structure, nesting the electronic components inside or alongside the mechanical elements. This integration reduces overall system volume by eliminating separate electronic housing and interconnections, directly addressing the miniaturization challenge.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
A compact two-axis angular pointing device is designed with a pivot bearing and two actuators positioned at orthogonal drive points, allowing for rotation around two axes, using piezoelectric ultrasonic motors and flexible printed circuits for actuation and control, enabling efficient and precise movement of a wide range of payloads.
Abstract
A two-axis angular pointing device includes a pivot bearing configured to support a payload. A first actuator is positioned to contact the payload at a first drive point. A second actuator is positioned to contact the payload at a second drive point. The first actuator is configured to generate a first movement of the payload in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane defined by a center of the pivot bearing, the first drive point, and the second drive point to cause the payload to rotate around a first rotation axis. The second actuator is configured to generate a second movement of the payload at the second drive point in the direction substantially orthogonal to the plane to cause the payload to rotate around a second rotation axis. A method of making a two-axis angular pointing device is also disclosed.