Fiber Scanner Continuous Bond Line for Higher Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber scanning systems for augmented reality and computer vision applications face limitations in deflection, Q factors, assembly time, stability, and manufacturing complexity due to conventional bonding methods, which affect the performance and reliability of fiber optic elements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fiber scanning system with a continuous bond line between the fiber optic element and the motion actuator, utilizing piezoelectric elements coated with conductive materials and a retention collar for improved mechanical and electrical coupling, reduces adhesive volume and enhances assembly efficiency and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bonding methods are used to join fiber optic element and motion actuator, then assembly is simpler, but deflection and Q factors are lower
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic element is pre-coated with conductive material (such as chrome, nickel, aluminum, or gold) on its actuation region before assembly. This preliminary coating eliminates the need for complex post-assembly bonding processes, while enabling direct mechanical coupling that improves deflection and Q factors through more effective energy transfer from the motion actuator to the fiber optic element.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional bonding methods with larger adhesive volumes are used, then bonding strength is sufficient, but assembly time increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the excessive adhesive material from the bonding interface, retaining only the minimal amount necessary for effective coupling. The conductive material coating on the fiber optic element enables precise, localized bonding that achieves sufficient bonding strength with dramatically reduced adhesive volume, thereby reducing assembly time and improving long-term stability by eliminating excess adhesive that could degrade over time.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional bonding methods are used, then manufacturing process is established, but manufacturing complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the conductive material coating layer: it provides electrical conductivity for piezoelectric actuation, enables mechanical bonding between the fiber optic element and motion actuator, and serves as a structural interface for energy transfer. This consolidation eliminates separate bonding layers and reduces the number of assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while improving performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional bonding methods are used, then components can be assembled, but self-alignment is not achieved and manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive material coating on the fiber optic element's actuation region enables self-alignment during assembly. The coating provides a defined bonding interface that naturally guides and positions the fiber optic element relative to the motion actuator, eliminating the need for complex external alignment fixtures or procedures. This self-aligning mechanism achieves high manufacturing precision through the inherent geometry and material properties of the coated fiber optic element.
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 approach results in higher deflection and Q factors, reduced assembly time, improved stability, and easier manufacturing, enabling self-alignment of components and increased energy transfer efficiency, leading to enhanced performance in fiber scanning systems.
Implementation Method 1
forming a set of piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 2
coating an interior surface and an exterior surface of each of the set of piezoelectric elements with a first conductive material... coating the actuation region of the fiber optic element with a second conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber scanning system includes a fiber optic element having an actuation region and a motion actuator mechanically coupled to the fiber optic element. A continuous bond line is present between the actuation region and the motion actuator. The fiber scanning system also includes a retention collar mechanically coupled to the motion actuator.