Optical Fiber Scanner Intermediate Piezoelectric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber scanners face challenges in reducing the diameter and size of the scanner while maintaining effective bending vibrations for precise illumination light scanning, especially when used in narrow spaces like endoscopes, due to the placement of piezoelectric elements and ferrules at the ends.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber scanner incorporates piezoelectric elements fixed to a square-tube-shaped ferrule with a conductive frame and holding sections that conduct electricity, allowing for bending vibrations that displace the emission end of the optical fiber in orthogonal directions, with the frame and holding sections positioned to minimize diameter and maximize movement range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If piezoelectric elements and ferrules are placed at the ends of the optical fiber scanner, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the diameter and size of the scanner increase, limiting movement in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the piezoelectric elements from the end positions to intermediate positions along the optical fiber axis. This dimensional redistribution allows the scanner to achieve compact diameter while maintaining manufacturing feasibility by spreading components along the length rather than concentrating them at ends
2Volume of moving object
If the scanner diameter is reduced to fit narrow spaces, then the scanner can be used in endoscopes, but the movement range and bending vibration effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of piezoelectric elements at intermediate points along the optical fiber, enabling flexible bending vibrations that maximize movement range within the constrained diameter. The intermediate positioning allows the structure to dynamically adapt its vibration pattern for optimal scanning performance in narrow spaces
3Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric elements are positioned at intermediate locations, then the scanner diameter is reduced and movement precision is improved, but the electrical wiring and grounding become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive frame as an intermediary grounding structure that simplifies the electrical wiring system. The frame provides a common reference potential and grounding path for piezoelectric elements at intermediate positions, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining high scanning precision through proper electrical connectivity
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 a significant reduction in the scanner's diameter, allowing for wider movement in narrow spaces and improved scanning precision, while preventing short circuits and maintaining the integrity of bending vibrations, making it suitable for use in endoscopes and other narrow cavities.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric elements that are disposed at an intermediate position on the optical fiber in the long-axis direction and that displaces, due to a bending vibration, an emission end of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber scanner including: an optical fiber that guides illumination light; a piezoelectric element that is disposed at an intermediate position on the optical fiber in the long-axis direction and that displaces, due to a bending vibration, an emission end of the optical fiber in a direction intersecting the long axis; a wiring part that is electrically bonded to the piezoelectric element at a location between the piezoelectric element and the optical fiber; a tube-shaped electrically conductive frame that has an inner hole for accommodating the piezoelectric element and the optical fiber; and a holding section that fixes the frame and the piezoelectric element and that conducts electricity between the frame and the piezoelectric element.