Deflector With Contactless Power Supply For High-Speed Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning technologies face limitations in achieving high-speed, precise, and compact three-dimensional scanning due to mechanical constraints, such as gear mechanisms and electromagnets, which result in poor measurement accuracy, increased size, and reduced device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A deflector and scanning distance measuring equipment utilizing a contactless power supply unit with paired coils for electromagnetic induction, allowing for high-speed and precise control of a movable unit's swing, eliminating the need for mechanical sliders and reducing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanical swing mechanism with gear mechanism is used to swing the mirror about the horizontal axis, then the device structure is established, but the mirror cannot be swung at high speed and the swing angle cannot be controlled precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical swing mechanism with an electromagnetic drive system. The mirror is equipped with a drive coil that interacts with a magnetic field generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets to produce rotational force, enabling high-speed and precise swing control without mechanical linkages. This substitution of mechanical system with electromagnetic system directly resolves the contradiction between swing speed and control precision.
2Volume of stationary object
If a gear mechanism supporting a mirror is used, then the mirror can be supported and swung, but the device fails to be decreased in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the gear mechanism from the system, replacing it with a direct electromagnetic drive on the mirror. This removal of unnecessary mechanical components reduces device size while maintaining the mirror's support and swing functionality through the electromagnetic actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical dimensional transmission through gears to electromagnetic field-based actuation, changing the dimension of force transmission from mechanical linkage to magnetic field interaction. This enables more compact device architecture while preserving functional reliability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a slider structure for signal transmission is provided to a vertical rotary shaft, then electrical signals can be transmitted to the rotating mirror, but the life of the device is shortened due to mechanical abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slider structure with a contactless electromagnetic induction system for power and signal transmission. A coil on the stationary side and a coil on the rotating mirror transmit electrical energy and signals through electromagnetic coupling without physical contact, eliminating mechanical abrasion and extending device lifespan while maintaining full signal transmission capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If an electromagnet is used to deflect the mirror about the horizontal axis, then the mirror can be swung, but the device requires a special mirror with ferromagnetic body or permanent magnet and increases the cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the mirror ferromagnetic and using an electromagnet to attract/repel it, the patent inverts the approach by placing permanent magnets on the stationary side and using a drive coil on the mirror to generate electromagnetic force. This inversion allows the mirror to remain a simple reflective surface while achieving the required swing actuation capability.
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
Enables contactless signal transmission, high-speed operation, and precise control of the scanning mechanism, enhancing measurement accuracy and extending device lifespan by eliminating mechanical wear and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless power supply unit including a second coil 54 that is electrically connected to the drive unit and is located to rotate about the second axis P2 along with the rotating second deflection mechanism 40, and a first coil 52 that is located to face the second coil 54 on a common axis P2, the contactless power supply unit 50 for supplying power from the first coil 52 to the second coil 54 in accordance with an electromagnetic induction system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Scanning distance measuring equipment includes a light emitter/receiver and a deflector for deflecting and reflecting measurement light emitted from the light emitter/receiver to outside through an optical window. The deflector is provided with a first deflection mechanism including a movable unit swingable about a first axis and a drive unit for driving to swing the movable unit; a second deflection mechanism for driving to rotate the first deflection mechanism about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a contactless power supply unit including a second coil that is located to rotate about the second axis along with the rotating second deflection mechanism, and a first coil that is located to face the second coil on a common axis.