Dynamic Spacing Actuator for Precision Device Collision Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic apparatus increases the risk of collision between precision devices and surrounding structures due to reduced distance, which existing designs fail to adequately protect against.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a first casing, a protected device, a detector, and a controller that uses actuators, such as piezoelectric pieces or linear actuators, to increase the distance between the protected device and the casing upon detection of an early sign of impact, thereby preventing collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between the protected device and the surrounding structure is increased to prevent collision, then the reliability of the protected device is improved, but the volume of the electronic apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the distance between the protected device and surrounding structure through actuators that can extend or retract based on detected impact conditions. This allows the system to maintain a compact form factor during normal operation while dynamically increasing protection distance when needed, resolving the contradiction between compact size and reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of impact conditions using detectors (accelerometers, piezoelectric pieces) before actual collision occurs. Upon detecting early signs of impact, the controller activates actuators to increase the distance between the protected device and surrounding structure in advance, preventing collision before it happens while maintaining compact dimensions during normal use.
2Volume of moving object
If the distance between the protected device and the surrounding structure is narrowed to reduce the size of the electronic apparatus, then the volume of the electronic apparatus is reduced, but the reliability of the protected device deteriorates due to increased collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between the protected device and surrounding structure based on real-time impact detection. During normal operation, the actuators maintain a compact configuration allowing narrow spacing. When impact is detected, the actuators extend to increase the distance, temporarily enhancing protection without permanently increasing the apparatus volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector-controller-actuator system performs preliminary anti-action by detecting impact conditions and activating protective measures (increasing distance) before the protected device can collide with the surrounding structure. This preemptive response prevents damage while allowing the apparatus to maintain compact dimensions during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional passive protection structures are used to protect precision devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability under impact conditions deteriorates due to rebound collision
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service protection where the electronic apparatus monitors its own impact conditions using integrated detectors and automatically activates protective measures through actuators controlled by an embedded controller. This self-monitoring and self-protecting mechanism provides reliable impact protection without requiring complex external protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using detectors to monitor impact conditions and feeding this information to the controller, which then activates actuators to adjust the distance between the protected device and surrounding structure. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides reliable protection against rebound collision while maintaining relatively simple structural design.
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 effectively reduces the risk of collision by dynamically increasing the distance between the protected device and the casing during impacts, alleviating the risk of damage to precision devices within the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuator includes at least one piezoelectric piece. The piezoelectric piece is located on the first casing. After the detector has detected the first early sign, the controller makes the piezoelectric piece deform the first casing, causing the increase of the first shortest distance.
Implementation Method 2
The detector includes at least one accelerometer. The accelerometer is configured to detect if the first casing is in a state of weightlessness. The first early sign is determined when the first casing is detected to be in the state of weightlessness.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a first casing, a protected device, a detector, a first actuator and a controller. The protected device is spaced apart from the first casing by a first shortest distance. The detector is configured to detect a first early sign before a first collision of the first casing and the protected device. The controller is configured to actuate the first actuator after the detector detects the first early sign, causing an increase of the first shortest distance.