Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Shake Correction with Rotational Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shake correction devices for digital cameras and imaging systems face challenges in achieving efficient dual-axis movement with minimal shear rigidity and maintaining generated force, particularly when using dielectric elastomer actuators.

Innovation Solution

A dual-axis driving device is designed with a configuration that includes dielectric elastomer actuators and connection mechanism units providing rotational and translational freedom, allowing the driven body to move in both X and Y axes while minimizing shear rigidity through the use of end members with high elastic moduli and strategically arranged actuators and connection mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If dielectric elastomer actuators are used to achieve compact shake correction device, then device size is reduced and structure is simplified, but shear rigidity increases and generated force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidshear rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple components: first connection mechanism unit connecting the actuator to the driven body, and second connection mechanism unit connecting the actuator to the support. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, with the first unit providing rotational freedom to reduce shear rigidity and the second unit providing structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first connection mechanism unit acts as an intermediary between the dielectric elastomer actuator and the driven body, introducing rotational freedom that reduces shear rigidity transmission. This intermediary component allows the actuator to expand and contract without directly transmitting shear forces to the driven body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If dielectric elastomer actuators are used to achieve compact shake correction device, then device size is reduced and structure is simplified, but generated force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidgenerated force

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second connection mechanism units are combined in a series configuration, where the actuator connects to both the driven body and support through these units. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve rotational freedom (reducing shear rigidity) and maintain structural support for force generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If connection mechanism units with rotational freedom are introduced to reduce shear rigidity, then shear rigidity is reduced enabling dual-axis movement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshear rigidityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first connection mechanism unit incorporates a flexible connection structure that provides rotational freedom through elastic deformation rather than mechanical joints. This flexible connection reduces shear rigidity while avoiding complex mechanical components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables effective dual-axis movement with reduced shear rigidity and maintained force generation, enhancing the performance of shake correction devices in imaging systems by optimizing the interaction between actuators and connection mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a first actuator that is extendable and contractible in a first direction, a second actuator that is extendable and contractible in a second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic compression: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

the first connection mechanism unit and the second connection mechanism unit have at least one degree of rotational freedom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational freedom:

Data Source

PatentUS11330183B2Shake correction device including dielectric elastomer actuator, driving device, imaging device, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A shake correction device including a driven body, a first actuator that is extendable and contractible in a first direction, a second actuator that is extendable and contractible in a second direction, a support that supports the driven body via the first actuator and the second actuator, a first connection mechanism unit that connects at least either between the first actuator and the driven body or between the first actuator and the support, and a second connection mechanism unit that connects at least either between the second actuator and the driven body or between the second actuator and the support. The first connection mechanism unit and the second connection mechanism unit have at least one degree of rotational freedom.