Fiber Optic Scanner Gravity Alignment for Trajectory Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanners face challenges in achieving high accuracy for desired scanning trajectories, particularly in fiber-optic scanners with PZT actuators, where the displacement of the optical fiber's exit end does not accurately follow the intended voltage-driven oscillations, leading to inaccuracies in scanning patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scanner system that includes an optical fiber, a drive unit with an actuator that displaces the fiber's exit end in a direction intersecting the optical axis, a support portion to stabilize the fiber, and a correction portion that aligns the center of gravity of the drive unit, optical fiber, and support portion, ensuring precise alignment and accurate scanning trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fiber-optic scanner with PZT actuator is used to scan light in a desired pattern, then the scanning function is achieved, but the scanning trajectory accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment between the center of gravity of the drive unit and the combined center of gravity of the optical fiber, drive unit, and support portion
Solution Approach 1:
The correction portion functions as a counterweight mechanism that compensates for the gravitational imbalance between the drive unit and the combined system. By adding mass to the correction portion, the combined center of gravity of the optical fiber, drive unit, and support portion is shifted to align with the center of gravity of the drive unit, thereby eliminating the trajectory deviation caused by gravitational torque during oscillation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support portion is spaced from the drive unit to support the optical fiber, then the optical fiber is stabilized, but the structural complexity increases due to the additional correction portion requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The correction portion is integrated into the existing support structure rather than being added as a completely separate component. The correction portion is provided on the support portion and works in conjunction with the drive unit, merging multiple functions (support and gravity correction) into a unified structure that minimizes overall system complexity.
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 allows for high-accuracy scanning trajectories, ensuring that the illumination light is focused and radiated onto the subject with precision, enabling the generation of strain-free return light images with accurate intensity distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a drive unit including at least one actuator that, when a voltage is applied thereto, displaces an exit end of the optical fiber in a direction intersecting an optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a correction portion that performs correction so as to bring the center of gravity of the drive unit and a combined center of gravity of the optical fiber, the drive unit, and the support portion close to each other on a cross-section of the drive unit
Data Source
AI summary
A scanner includes: an optical fiber that guides light from a light source; a drive unit including at least one actuator that, when a voltage is applied thereto, displaces an exit end of the optical fiber in a direction intersecting an optical axis; a support portion that is provided on a basal end side from the drive unit and that is spaced away from the drive unit to support the optical fiber; and a correction portion that performs correction so as to bring the center of gravity of the drive unit and a combined center of gravity of the optical fiber, the drive unit, and the support portion close to each other on a cross-section of the drive unit.