Dual-Surface Reflector Actuator for Optical Scanner Light Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanners suffer from low light utilization efficiency due to light loss caused by the need for a beam splitter to separate emitted and return light paths.
Innovation Solution
A reflector with actuator is designed to have reflection regions on both surfaces, supported by a first rotary axis and actuated by magnetic elements, allowing emitted light to be reflected on one surface and return light on the other, eliminating the need for a beam splitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a beam splitter is used to separate emitted light and return light paths, then the optical path can be separated, but light utilization efficiency decreases due to light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the beam splitter from the optical path separation system. Instead of using a beam splitter to separate emitted light and return light, the invention uses a reflector with actuator that can be rotated to different angles to direct emitted light and return light through different paths, eliminating the need for the beam splitter and associated light loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic reflector with actuator that can rotate to different angles during operation. The reflector changes its orientation to direct emitted light in one direction and return light in another direction, providing dynamic optical path separation without requiring a static beam splitter
2Ease of operation
If a beam splitter is arranged in the optical path, then emitted and return light can be separated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the beam splitter from the optical system. By using a reflector with actuator that can be rotated to different angles, the system achieves optical path separation without the beam splitter, thereby reducing device complexity and the number of optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector with actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a reflector and an optical path directing element. By rotating the reflector to different angles, it can direct emitted light and return light through different paths, replacing the need for separate beam splitter components
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
This configuration enhances light utilization efficiency by avoiding light loss and enables two-dimensional scanning without the need for a beam splitter, allowing for a larger scanning area with reduced equipment size.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic actuator acting on the first magnetic element to move the first magnetic element in a direction that rotates the reflector around the first rotary axis
Implementation Method 2
a reflector having reflection regions formed on both surfaces thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner having high utilization efficiency of light is provided. A reflector with actuator includes a reflector having reflection regions formed on both surfaces thereof, first supporting parts supporting the reflector from both sides in a plane direction and defining a first rotary axis of the reflector, a first magnetic element installed on one surface of the reflector at a position displaced from the first rotary axis, and a first magnetic actuator configured to move the first magnetic element in a direction that rotates the reflector around the first rotary axis.