Actuator with Integrated Coil and Ferromagnet for Large Rotation Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanners with torsional vibrators for size reduction and increased rotation angle face challenges in power consumption and size increase due to the need for longer coil-magnet distances, leading to higher production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a frame-shaped mass portion with a ferromagnet and a coil along the rotation axis, allowing for reduced distance between the coil and ferromagnet without restricting rotation, achieved through torsional deformation of elastic portions, promoting power-saving and size reduction while increasing the deflection angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the distance between the permanent magnet and the coil is increased to allow larger rotation angles, then the rotation angle (amplitude) of the plate-shaped member can be increased, but the power consumption increases and the actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the coil from the supporting board to the frame-shaped member, changing the spatial arrangement from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration where the coil moves with the frame during rotation. This dimensional change allows the coil to maintain a consistently short distance from the permanent magnet throughout the rotation range, enabling larger rotation angles without increasing the magnet-coil distance or power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coil with the frame-shaped member by providing the coil on the frame-shaped member instead of on the separate supporting board. This merging ensures that the coil and permanent magnet remain in close proximity during rotation, eliminating the need to increase the magnet-coil distance to accommodate larger rotation angles, thus preventing both size increase and power consumption increase
2Shape
If the distance between the permanent magnet and the coil is increased to allow larger rotation angles, then the rotation angle (amplitude) of the plate-shaped member can be increased, but the actuator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the coil from the supporting board to the frame-shaped member, changing the spatial arrangement from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional configuration where the coil moves with the frame during rotation. This dimensional change allows the coil to maintain a consistently short distance from the permanent magnet throughout the rotation range, enabling larger rotation angles without increasing the magnet-coil distance or actuator size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coil with the frame-shaped member by providing the coil on the frame-shaped member instead of on the separate supporting board. This merging ensures that the coil and permanent magnet remain in close proximity during rotation, eliminating the need to increase the magnet-coil distance to accommodate larger rotation angles, thus preventing actuator size increase
3Ease of manufacture
If the permanent magnet and coil are disposed on separate boards, then alignment is required during mounting, but this increases production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coil with the frame-shaped member by providing the coil on the frame-shaped member instead of on the separate supporting board. This merging eliminates the need for separate board alignment during assembly, as the coil and permanent magnet are now integrated components that move together as a unit, significantly simplifying the manufacturing and assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The frame-shaped member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, holds the permanent magnet, and carries the coil. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and alignment procedures, reducing production complexity while maintaining the actuator's functionality
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
The actuator effectively increases the rotation angle of the second mass portion, reducing power consumption and size, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs by using a soft magnetic ferromagnet and unilaminar metal coil, enabling wider material selection and easier assembly.
Implementation Method 1
An operation of the voltage application unit 283, 284 included in the driver causes the coil 28 to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The generation of the magnetic field causes displacement of the ferromagnet 291 relative to the coil 28. The displacement of the ferromagnet 291 causes the first mass portion 21 to rotate while torsionally deforming the pair of first elastic portions 23, 24
Implementation Method 3
a pair of first elastic portions 23, 24 coupling between the first mass portion 21 and the supporting portion 22 so that the first mass portion 21 is supported by the supporting portion 22; a pair of second elastic portions 26, 27 coupling between the second mass portion 25 and the first mass portion 21
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a frame-shaped first mass portion; a supporting portion that supports the first mass portion and takes the shape of a frame so as to surround a perimeter of the first mass portion; a pair of first elastic portions coupling between the first mass portion and the supporting portion so that the first mass portion is supported by the supporting portion; a second mass portion provided inside the frame-shaped first mass portion; a pair of second elastic portions coupling between the second mass portion and the first mass portion so that the second mass portion is supported by the first mass portion; and a driver for rotating the first mass portion. The driver includes a ferromagnet provided on the first mass portion in a position separate from a rotation central axis of the first mass portion; a coil formed along the rotation central axis of the first mass portion and the supporting portion so as to surround and orbit a perimeter of the ferromagnet if the first mass portion is seen from above; and a voltage application unit for applying a voltage to the coil. An operation of the voltage application unit included in the driver causes the coil to generate a magnetic field. The generation of the magnetic field causes displacement of the ferromagnet relative to the coil. The displacement of the ferromagnet causes the first mass portion to rotate while torsionally deforming the pair of first elastic portions. The rotation of the first mass portion causes the second mass portion to rotate while torsionally deforming the pair of second elastic portions.