Dual-Axis Rotating Mirror for Underwater Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light projection systems with two discrete mirrors suffer from reflection losses and inaccuracies due to mirror surface imperfections, requiring larger footprints and higher costs, while single reflective surface systems have limited motion range and are costly, making them impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A motion control system with a chassis, mirror support, and two drive members that allow for precise rotation about two axes, using electromagnetic drive mechanisms and optical sensors for accurate positioning, reducing the need for large motors and minimizing inertia, thus enabling compact, cost-effective, and high-accuracy image projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two discrete mirrors are used for x and y axis rotation, then the system achieves light direction control in two axes, but reflection losses and inaccuracies occur due to mirror surface imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate mirror systems into a single reflective surface that can rotate about two orthogonal axes simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for two separate reflection surfaces, thereby reducing cumulative reflection losses and eliminating errors from multiple mirror alignments while maintaining two-axis light direction control capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If two discrete mirrors are used for x and y axis rotation, then the system achieves two-axis light control, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two separate mirror assemblies into a single reflective surface mounted on a dual-axis rotation mechanism, the patent reduces the spatial footprint. The single surface design allows both x and y axis rotation to occur at one location rather than requiring separate mirror mounts, thereby reducing the overall area occupied by the light control system
3Measurement precision
If a single reflective surface is used with mechanical systems, then the system achieves higher resolution, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with electromagnetic drive mechanisms. Instead of using articulated arms, ball joints, and other complex mechanical components to achieve single-axis rotation, the system employs electromagnetic actuators that directly drive rotation about two orthogonal axes, thereby maintaining high resolution while reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing cost
4Adaptability or versatility
If a moving second motor is added to rotate the mirror about a second axis, then the system achieves two-axis rotation, but the inertia and mass of moving components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation mechanisms for both axes into a single integrated structure. Instead of having a second motor that moves independently and adds to the moving mass, the system uses a single reflective surface that rotates about two orthogonal axes simultaneously, with both rotation mechanisms sharing a common mounting structure, thereby reducing the total mass of moving components while achieving two-axis rotation
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 system achieves high-speed, accurate tip and tilt control with a small form factor, reducing costs and power consumption while maintaining robustness and precision, suitable for applications like underwater projection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive member coupled to the chassis and configured to rotate the mirror support relative to the chassis about a first axis to move the reflected image in the water feature
Implementation Method 2
a second drive member coupled to the chassis and a fixed mount and is configured to rotate the chassis and the mirror support about a second axis to move the reflected image in the water feature
Implementation Method 3
The mirror member is configured to reflect the image projected from the underwater projection system in the water feature
Data Source
AI summary
A motion control system for controlling an image projected from an underwater projection system in a water feature includes a chassis, a mirror support coupled to the chassis, a mirror member on the mirror support, a first drive member, and a second drive member. The mirror member is configured to reflect the image projected from the underwater projection system in the water feature. The first drive member is coupled to the chassis and configured to rotate the mirror support relative to the chassis about a first axis to move the reflected image in the water feature. The second drive member is coupled to the chassis and a fixed mount and is configured to rotate the chassis and the mirror support about a second axis to move the reflected image in the water feature.