Low-Profile Dual-Axis Deflection Device With Intersecting Mirror Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piezoelectric deflection mechanisms in precision optical systems, such as telescopes and microscopes, have a high longitudinal dimension, requiring large installation spaces and limiting the fundamental frequency, and suffer from accuracy issues due to non-coincidence of the reflected light spot and structural deflection axis, leading to optical path control errors.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile dual-axial deflection device with intersecting deflection axes at the mirror surface, utilizing piezoelectric ceramics and a sinking mirror mounting structure with elastic kite-shaped seats and flexible hinges, allowing for compact, high-precision, and fast deflection responses by differential driving of piezoelectric ceramics to control the mirror's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If piezoelectric deflection mechanism is used, then multi-axis deflection can be achieved, but the longitudinal dimension becomes large requiring large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional longitudinal piezoelectric actuation to lateral piezoelectric actuation. The piezoelectric ceramics are arranged horizontally with their polarization directions perpendicular to the deflection axes, enabling deflection in the lateral dimension rather than the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional change reduces the longitudinal profile while maintaining multi-axis deflection capability through the lateral expansion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the mirror is integrated within a compact carrier that contains the piezoelectric ceramics and elastic supports. The piezoelectric ceramics are embedded within elastic kite-shaped seats that are part of the carrier structure, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes the overall longitudinal dimension while preserving the functional components needed for multi-axis deflection.
2Device complexity
If flexible hinge position is designed conventionally, then structure can be simplified, but the reflected light spot does not coincide with structural deflection axis causing accuracy issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the flexible hinges relative to the mirror center. The hinges are positioned at specific locations that create a geometric relationship where the deflection axis passes through the mirror center, ensuring that the reflected light spot coincides with the deflection axis. This asymmetric arrangement corrects the optical path control error while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of flexible hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary elastic kite-shaped seat structure that mediates between the piezoelectric ceramics and the mirror carrier. This elastic seat acts as a compliant intermediary that transmits the lateral piezoelectric actuation to the mirror while maintaining the correct geometric relationship between the deflection axis and the reflected light spot, thereby improving accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If large installation space is allocated, then piezoelectric mechanism can be installed, but the fundamental frequency is limited reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between installation space and fundamental frequency by changing the actuation dimension from longitudinal to lateral. The piezoelectric ceramics actuate laterally rather than longitudinally, which reduces the longitudinal dimension and increases the fundamental frequency (improving reliability) while still providing sufficient space for the components through the lateral arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin elastic kite-shaped seats as flexible supports that provide the necessary structural compliance without adding significant longitudinal dimension. These thin elastic films enable compact installation while maintaining the structural integrity and dynamic characteristics needed for high fundamental frequency and reliability.
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 reduces optical path control errors, achieves high precision, and allows for efficient use in limited spaces by ensuring the deflection axes are orthogonal and coplanar with the mirror surface, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric ceramic horizontally mounted in the first elastic kite-shaped seat, a second piezoelectric ceramic horizontally mounted in the second elastic kite-shaped seat, a third piezoelectric ceramic horizontally mounted in the third elastic kite-shaped seat, a fourth piezoelectric ceramic horizontally mounted in the fourth elastic kite-shaped seat
Implementation Method 2
a first elastic kite-shaped seat fixed at one end to the first fixing support, a second elastic kite-shaped seat fixed at one end to the second fixing support, a third elastic kite-shaped seat fixed at one end to the third fixing support, and a fourth elastic kite-shaped seat fixed at one end to the fourth fixing support
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile dual-axial deflection device having deflection axes intersecting at a mirror surface and method for achieving dual-axis deflection are disclosed, the device including essentially three parts: a base and a fixing support for fixing and mounting; elastic kite-shaped seats and deflection support base providing deflection driving, and a mirror carrier, a mirror and flexible hinges and connecting stations for limiting deflection displacement of the mirror carrier. The present disclosure uses four piezoelectric ceramics to realize the output control of the deflection angle, and has high control precision and fast response. Simultaneous driving of four piezoelectric ceramics can realize dual-axis deflection of the mirror. The device adopts a sinking mirror structure, and the deflection axes intersect at the surface of the mirror, thereby reducing the optical path control error caused by the longitudinal displacement of the mirror during deflection. The structure is compact and can be installed in limited space.