Drive Apparatus for Optical Path Direction Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive apparatuses rely on user rotation to change the direction of an optical path, lacking precision and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A drive apparatus utilizing an actuator with a magnetically linked optical-path-changing member, where the actuator moves the engaging body in two directions, allowing the optical-path-changing member to move due to bias and magnetic attraction, ensuring precise direction changes of the optical path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a reflector is rotated by a rotary knob operated by a user, then the direction of the optical path can be changed, but the precision and reliability of the direction change are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of optical path direction changeVSAvoidautomation of optical path direction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation (rotary knob) with an automated actuator system. The actuator drives the engaging body to move in first and second directions, which then controls the optical-path-changing member through magnetic linkage, eliminating manual operation and improving both precision and automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an engaging body as an intermediary between the actuator and the optical-path-changing member. The engaging body frictionally engages the actuator and magnetically links to the optical-path-changing member, enabling precise transmission of motion while maintaining magnetic attraction for positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the optical-path-changing member is magnetically linked to the engaging body, then floating is suppressed and positioning accuracy improves, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of optical-path-changing member positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of magnetic linkage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the engaging body: it frictionally engages the actuator for motion transmission and simultaneously magnetically links to the optical-path-changing member for stable positioning. This merging reduces the need for separate mechanical connection components, simplifying the overall structure while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (such as gears, belts, or direct mechanical coupling) with magnetic linkage between the engaging body and the optical-path-changing member. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission components while achieving reliable positioning and motion transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the actuator moves the engaging body in two directions, then precise control of the optical path direction is achieved, but the control mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of optical path direction controlVSAvoidcomplexity of bidirectional actuator control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic control mechanism where the actuator can move the engaging body in first and second directions based on control signals. The optical-path-changing member responds dynamically to the motion of the engaging body through magnetic attraction, enabling flexible and precise control of the optical path direction without overly complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 high-precision control of the optical path direction using the actuator, preventing unintended movements and maintaining contact for accurate positioning.

Implementation Method 1

the optical-path-changing member moves following movement of the engaging body due to magnetic attraction when the engaging body has moved in the second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an engaging body configured to frictionally engage the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11303783B2Drive apparatus to change the optical path of an imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 TDK CORP

AI summary

A drive apparatus includes an actuator, an engaging body configured to frictionally engage the actuator, and an optical-path-changing member configured so as to be magnetically linked to the engaging body, and configured to change the direction of an optical path. The actuator causes the engaging body to move in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The optical-path-changing member moves due to being biased by the engaging body when the engaging body has moved in the first direction, and the optical-path-changing member moves following movement of the engaging body due to magnetic attraction when the engaging body has moved in the second direction.