Dual Swing Portion Optical Reflection Element for Multi-Axis Laser Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical reflection elements that sweep laser light are limited in their rotational movement, only allowing the reflector to rotate in the twist direction of the connection portion.
Innovation Solution
The optical reflection element includes a first axis, a base, a reflector, and two swing portions that are positioned along the first axis and sandwich the reflector. Each swing portion consists of connection portions, vibration portions, drive portions, and connection portions to the base, allowing the reflector to be rotated about two axes through controlled vibration of the drive portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connection portion with vibration portions is used to rotate the reflector, then the structure is simple, but the rotational movement is limited to only the twist direction
Solution Approach 1:
The single connection portion is divided into two separate connection portions (first connection portion and second connection portion) positioned at different locations along the first axis. Each connection portion has its own vibration portions and drive portions, enabling independent rotational control about different axes. This segmentation allows the reflector to rotate about both the first axis and the second axis, significantly increasing the rotational movement range while maintaining structural clarity through modular design.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple swing portions are added to increase rotational range, then the light sweeping area increases, but the number of piezoelectric elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each swing portion is designed as a multi-functional unit that can contribute to rotation about both the first axis and the second axis through coordinated operation. The first swing portion and second swing portion work together where the first connection portion and second connection portion collectively enable rotation about the first axis, while the vibration portions enable rotation about the second axis. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive light sweeping coverage without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each rotational axis, thereby limiting the increase in piezoelectric element quantity.
3Productivity
If the reflector is constrained to rotate only in the twist direction of the connection portion, then the structure is stable, but the light sweeping performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static constraint (rotation only in twist direction) to dynamic control by introducing vibration portions that can oscillate in multiple directions. The vibration portions are driven by piezoelectric elements to create controlled dynamic movements that enable rotation about both the first axis and second axis. This dynamic approach allows the reflector to adapt its orientation continuously, significantly improving light sweeping performance while maintaining structural stability through controlled vibratory motion rather than rigid constraints.
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 enables the reflector to be rotated in a wider range, improving the performance of the optical reflection element by allowing it to sweep light over a greater area without increasing the number of piezoelectric elements.
Implementation Method 1
The drive portion includes piezoelectric elements or the like that vibrate respective ones of the two vibration portions
Data Source
AI summary
A light control system includes an optical reflection element and a controller. The optical reflection element includes: a reflector; and a first swing portion and a second swing portion disposed at respective one of positions sandwiching the reflector. Each of the first swing portion and the second swing portion includes: a first connection portion coupled to the reflector; a first vibration portion; a second vibration portion; a first drive portion; a second drive portion; and a second connection portion that connects the first and second vibration portions to a base. The controller causes the first and second drive portions of the first swing portion to vibrate in the same phase, and causes the first and second drive portions of the second swing portion to vibrate in the same phase but in the opposite phase to the first swing portion.