Bistable Linear Optical Shutter with Hard Magnet Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical shutter apparatuses, particularly those with rotary solenoids, are mechanically complex, costly, and require continuous power to maintain the electrically driven state, posing challenges for compact and low-cost designs, especially in thermal imaging applications where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are essential.
Innovation Solution
A bistable linear optical shutter apparatus with a minimal component count, featuring a baseplate with tabs, a linear actuator coupled to a magnetic shaft, and a shutter blade that translates between open and closed positions using a solenoid assembly with a hard magnetic shaft and soft magnetic blade, allowing for stable operation without continuous power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rotary solenoid actuators are used for optical shutters, then the shutter can be driven between open and closed positions, but the mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rotary solenoid mechanism with a linear solenoid actuator that directly translates the shutter blade along a linear path. This substitution eliminates complex rotary-to-linear conversion mechanisms, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining shutter operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate mechanical components from the conventional rotary actuator system. By using a linear solenoid that directly drives the shutter blade, the design removes complex linkages, gears, and rotary joints, achieving simpler mechanics with fewer parts
2Ease of operation
If monostable solenoid actuators with soft magnetic cores are used, then the shutter can be driven to the electrically driven state, but continuous power is required to maintain that state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic material parameter from soft magnetic core to hard magnet (permanent magnet). This parameter change transforms the actuator from monostable to bistable operation, allowing the shutter to maintain its position without continuous power supply. The hard magnet provides inherent magnetic field that enables stable positioning in both open and closed states
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable actuator with hard magnet enables the shutter system to maintain its state autonomously without continuous external power. The permanent magnet's inherent magnetic field provides the holding force, allowing the system to serve itself by maintaining position through its own magnetic properties rather than requiring continuous electrical input
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rotary shutter arrangements are used, then the shutter can block and allow light passage, but the system becomes sizable and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotary shutter approach by using linear translation instead of rotary motion. The shutter blade moves linearly between open and closed positions along a straight path defined by guide rails, eliminating the need for rotary mechanisms, circular paths, and associated structural components, thereby reducing system size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the shutter system into distinct functional components: a linear solenoid actuator, a shutter blade, and guide rails. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a compact configuration, reducing overall system size compared to integrated rotary mechanisms
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and energy-efficient optical shutter system that maintains stability in both open and closed positions without continuous power, addressing the complexity and cost issues of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can be electromagnetically activated (an 'electromagnetic actuator') so that it responds to an electrical signal to translate the shutter blade or blades between the open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
The soft magnetic core of a monostable solenoid can be replaced with a hard magnet that adheres to soft magnetic material in each of its two positions to create a bistable shutter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical shutter apparatus has a baseplate that defines an aperture in a plane and that has at least first and second tabs that extend outward from the plane. At least a first linear actuator is coupled to the first tab and drives a magnetic shaft between the first and second tabs according to an electrical signal. A shutter blade is coupled to the magnetic shaft and is linearly translatable along a translation path in the direction of the plane between a first and a second position, wherein the shutter blade blocks at least a first portion of the aperture in the first position and unblocks the first portion of the aperture in the second position.