Deformable Connection Member for Low-Power Voice Coil Motor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice coil motors face high power consumption for long travel applications due to the need for continuous current to maintain the position of the mover, making them inefficient for tasks like zooming, where excessive power is required.
Innovation Solution
A driving device with a stator, mover, and deformable connection member that maintains balance through internal forces, reducing the need for external energy by using a deformable connection member with a force balance position, allowing only a small exogenous driving force to be required, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a voice coil motor is used to achieve long travel displacement, then the displacement range is increased, but the power consumption becomes excessively high due to continuous current requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformable connection member that can dynamically change its mechanical properties (stiffness, damping) based on the operating state. The connection member transitions between different deformation states, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical characteristics to reduce power consumption during positioning phases while maintaining travel capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable connection member utilizes its own elastic deformation and restoring force to assist in positioning and movement, rather than relying entirely on continuous electromagnetic force. The member's inherent mechanical properties (elasticity, damping) are harnessed to reduce the energy required from the driving coil, allowing the system to maintain position without continuous power input.
2Stability of the object's composition
If continuous current is supplied to maintain mover position, then positioning stability is achieved, but static holding power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous current supply, the system utilizes periodic or intermittent actuation of the driving coil combined with the deformable connection member's elastic restoring force. The connection member maintains position through its mechanical stability and damping characteristics, requiring power input only during position changes rather than continuous holding current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely electromagnetic holding mechanism with a hybrid mechanical-electromagnetic system. The deformable connection member's mechanical properties (elasticity, structural stability) substitute for the continuous electromagnetic force, reducing static power consumption while maintaining positioning stability through the member's inherent mechanical resistance to deformation.
3Force
If the elastic force of the spring is increased to handle larger displacement, then the electromagnetic force required increases, but the power consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the deformable connection member (material properties, geometric configuration, cross-sectional area, length) to optimize the ratio between elastic force and power consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves sufficient elastic force for the required displacement range while minimizing the electromagnetic force and corresponding power consumption needed to operate the system.
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 reduces power consumption and increases the efficiency of the exogenous driving force, enabling the device to operate effectively in long travel applications with reduced energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable connection member is made of an elastic material or has an elastic structure
Implementation Method 2
a damped oscillating mechanism is provided, which includes a damper
Data Source
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AI summary
A driving apparatus comprises a stator (21), a rotor (22) and a deformation connector (23). The rotor is connected to the stator through the deformation connector. An external driving force drives the deformation connector to have deformation so that the rotor changes its position with respect to the stator. Under the condition that no external driving force is applied, the deformation connector remains at a force balanced position (x0). The force on the deformation connector comprises a deformation force (F1) of the deformation connector and a first primitive force (F2) in opposite direction to the deformation force (F1). Also provided is a device fabrication method. Because the deformation connector keeps balance under the effect of the deformation force and the first primitive force, a small external driving force is required when the driving apparatus operates near the balance point, hereby reducing power consumption.