Dual-Drive Actuator for Projector Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projector actuators are limited to either unidirectional (two-way) or bidirectional (four-way) designs, preventing simultaneous use or switching between these modes without redesigning the actuator structure, which incurs development and production costs.

Innovation Solution

An actuator design that includes a frame body with two drive assemblies, allowing the phase difference between them to be adjusted to 0 or 90 degrees, enabling switching between two-way and four-way actuation modes, and a control method to manage these modes, allowing the actuator to switch between different actuation modes by controlling the phase difference between drive assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the actuator is designed with one axis for unidirectional (two-way) actuation, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability is limited and cannot support bidirectional (four-way) actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator structure simplicityVSAvoidactuation mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is designed with two drive assemblies (first and second drive assemblies) that can operate independently or in coordination. By controlling the phase difference between these two drive assemblies, the same actuator structure can achieve both unidirectional (two-way) and bidirectional (four-way) actuation modes, making the device universal and adaptable to multiple application scenarios without requiring structural redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator employs dynamic phase control between the two drive assemblies. By adjusting the phase difference dynamically (0 degrees for two-way mode, 90 degrees for four-way mode), the actuator can switch between different actuation modes during operation. This dynamic control mechanism allows the system to adapt its functionality without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and functional versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuator structure is redesigned to support both unidirectional and bidirectional modes, then the adaptability improves, but the development cost and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation mode flexibilityVSAvoidactuator design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating separate actuator designs for unidirectional and bidirectional modes, the invention implements a universal actuator structure with two drive assemblies that can perform both functions. This single design serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate development and production lines for different actuator types, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the enhanced functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters (phase difference between drive assemblies) rather than the physical structure to achieve different actuation modes. By controlling the phase difference parameter (0° or 90°), the same physical structure can switch between two-way and four-way actuation. This parameter-based control avoids the complexity of structural redesign while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the actuator structure is redesigned to support both unidirectional and bidirectional modes, then the adaptability improves, but the production line changeover costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation mode flexibilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal actuator design with two drive assemblies can be manufactured using a single production line configuration. The same assembly process and components are used regardless of whether the final product will operate in two-way or four-way mode, as the difference is achieved through control parameters rather than physical variations. This eliminates production line changeover costs and maintains high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the phase difference between drive assemblies is controlled to switch actuation modes, then the adaptability improves and cost savings are achieved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation mode switching capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention controls the phase difference parameter between the two drive assemblies to switch between actuation modes. This is achieved through standard control circuitry that can adjust the timing and phase of the drive signals. The control complexity is managed by using well-established phase control techniques rather than requiring complex new control mechanisms, making the system adaptable while keeping control complexity within acceptable limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 cost savings by allowing mode switching without redesigning the actuator, and enhances projector resolution and image sharpness by allowing users to select the required actuation mode based on display needs.

Implementation Method 1

The first frame portion oscillates relative to the base through the first drive assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 2

The second frame portion oscillates relative to the base through the second drive assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 3

the image light beam is refracted to another position through the glass, thereby achieving an increase in the resolution of the image projected by the projector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11506960B2Actuator, operation method thereof, and projector
Publication Date: 2022.11.22 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • US11506960B2 patent drawing
  • US11506960B2 patent drawing
  • US11506960B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An actuator including a frame body, a base, a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and an optical element is provided. The frame body includes the first frame portion and the second frame portion. The base surrounds the frame body. The first drive assembly is disposed between the base and the first frame portion. The second drive assembly is disposed between the base and the second frame portion. When the actuator is set to a first mode, a phase difference between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly is substantially 0 degrees, and the optical element exhibits a first actuation mode relative to the base. Alternatively, when the actuator is set to the second mode, the phase difference between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly is substantially 90 degrees, and the optical element exhibits a second actuation mode relative to the base.