Actuator Frame Surrounding Coil and Magnet for Compact Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanners have a long distance between coils and permanent magnets, leading to inefficient actuation and increased size, which affects the oscillation characteristics and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a movable portion with a light reflector that swings around two axes, supported by shafts and a frame portion with a coil and magnet configuration, where the frame surrounds the movable and shaft portions, reducing the distance between the coil and magnet and allowing efficient actuation with reduced size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring lines are connected via first torsion bars, then electrical connection is achieved, but the distance between coil and magnet becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the coil from the movable plate to the stationary frame, changing the spatial arrangement from a planar connection via torsion bars to a three-dimensional configuration where the coil is mounted on the frame structure. This dimensional change allows the coil to be positioned close to the magnet without requiring long wiring connections through moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as an intermediary structure that holds the coil in close proximity to the magnet while providing a stable mounting position. Instead of directly connecting the coil to the movable plate via long wiring, the frame acts as a mediator that enables short-distance magnetic interaction while maintaining electrical connection stability.
2Length of stationary object
If frame portion surrounds movable portion, then distance between coil and magnet is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the entire actuator, mounts the coil in the correct position, and forms the outer boundary of the device. By combining these functions into a single frame structure, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving the goal of close coil-magnet positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mounting structure, coil support, and device housing into a single integrated frame portion. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate brackets, mounts, and housing elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to position the coil close to the magnet for efficient actuation.
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 efficient driving of the movable portion with reduced power consumption and improved oscillation characteristics, allowing for precise alignment and manufacturing of the light reflector and fixing portion, while maintaining low power usage.
Implementation Method 1
interaction between magnetic fields produced by the flat coils and the permanent magnets produces pivotal motion of the movable portions
Implementation Method 2
a light reflector having light reflectivity
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes: a movable portion that swingably moves around a first axis; a first shaft that extends from the movable portion and swingably supports the movable portion around the first axis; a frame portion that is connected to the first shaft and swingably moves around a second axis that intersects the first axis; a second shaft that extends from the frame portion and swingably supports the frame portion around the second axis; a support portion connected to the second shaft; a coil provided on the frame portion; and a magnet that produces a magnetic field that acts on the coil, wherein the frame portion is so formed that the frame portion surrounds the movable portion, the first shaft, the second shaft, and the support portion in a plan view viewed in a thickness direction of the movable portion.