Beam Distributor With Rotating Reflector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam distributors require multiple reflectors and motors for each optical fiber to be switched, leading to increased costs as the number of optical fibers increases, necessitating a cost-reduction solution.
Innovation Solution
A beam distributor design featuring a cylindrical rotator with multiple switchable reflectors arranged axially and circumferentially, a rotary drive motor, brake mechanism, reflector position sensing mechanism, and control unit to selectively route a laser beam to multiple output fibers using a servo motor and optical sensors, with a balanced weight distribution to stabilize the rotator and reduce vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one reflector and one motor are provided for each optical fiber to be switched, then the beam distributor can achieve accurate beam switching, but the cost increases due to the increased number of motors and reflectors
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reflectors are arranged on a single rotatable support structure, merging what would traditionally be separate reflector-motor assemblies into one integrated unit. This allows a single motor to rotate the support structure and selectively position multiple reflectors, thereby reducing the total number of motors while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple optical fibers accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotatable support structure serves multiple functions: it holds multiple reflectors, provides rotational movement for beam switching, and enables a single motor to control the positioning of all reflectors. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining switching capability
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple motors are used to control multiple reflectors, then precise beam routing is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reflectors are merged onto a single rotatable support structure, allowing one motor to replace multiple motors. This reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing cost while the precise rotational positioning maintains beam routing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are arranged in a circumferential pattern around the rotation axis, utilizing the rotational dimension to achieve beam switching. This spatial arrangement allows a single rotational degree of freedom to control multiple reflectors, reducing the number of independent actuators needed
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 allows for accurate and stable selection of optical fibers while reducing the number of motors and reflectors needed, lowering costs and improving the precision of laser beam routing, and includes a light absorber to minimize scattered light.
Implementation Method 1
a position where an input laser beam input through the beam entrance and traveling parallel to the rotary axis of the cylindrical member is to be reflected on one of the reflectors toward a selected one of the beam exits
Implementation Method 2
a position where the input laser beam is to pass through between adjacent ones of the reflectors to be absorbed by the light absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A beam distributor includes a beam entrance and multiple beam exits. The beam distributor includes: a rotatable cylindrical member; at least two multiple reflectors shifted from each other; a rotation mechanism that rotates the multiple reflectors; a fixing mechanism that fixes the reflectors; a reflector position sensing mechanism; a light absorber; and a control unit. The control unit controls the rotation mechanism to rotationally move a rotational position about the cylindrical member to a position where a laser beam is to be reflected on the reflector toward a selected beam exits, a position where the laser beam is to pass through between adjacent reflectors to be absorbed by the light absorber, or a position where the laser beam is to be reflected on the reflector and absorbed by the light absorber. The control unit controls the fixing mechanism so as to fix rotational movements of the reflectors.