High-Speed Flipping Mirror Flexure Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed flipping mirror systems face challenges in achieving precise control and stability of light beams during high-speed scanning and imaging applications, particularly due to limitations in the design and manufacturing of the flexure component.
Innovation Solution
The high-speed flipping mirror system incorporates a flexure designed with a multi-objective optimization approach to enhance bending stiffness, torsional stiffness, stress concentration, and fatigue life, along with linear motors and high-resolution position sensors to achieve precise control of the mirror's flipping cycle and profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mirror flips at high speeds, then the scanning speed and imaging frequency are improved, but the stress concentration and fatigue life of the flexure are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the flexure's geometric parameters (thickness, width, length of bending sections) and material properties to achieve the desired balance between scanning speed and fatigue life. The multi-objective optimization adjusts these parameters to reduce stress concentration while maintaining the required flipping speed of 400 degrees per second.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the flexure as a dynamic structure that can accommodate high-speed flipping motions. The two-degree-of-freedom flexure mechanism enables the mirror to achieve rapid angular changes while the optimized structure distributes dynamic loads to prevent fatigue failure during continuous high-speed operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flexure is designed for high bending stiffness, then the mirror stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials or composite structural design in the flexure to achieve high bending stiffness with relaxed manufacturing tolerances. By combining different materials or structural elements, the design attains the required structural rigidity for mirror stability while being more tolerant to manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a single-dimensional stiffness consideration to a multi-dimensional structural optimization. The flexure design incorporates multiple geometric dimensions and structural features that collectively provide the required bending stiffness, allowing each individual dimension to have relaxed tolerances while maintaining overall structural rigidity.
3Measurement precision
If the linear motors are positioned at the four corners, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control function into four independent linear motors positioned at the corners of the mirror mount. Each motor independently controls one quadrant of the mirror, enabling precise position control through distributed actuation. This segmented approach achieves high control precision while allowing modular assembly and simplified individual component manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the four linear motors with identical specifications and mounting configurations. Each motor performs the same function (controlling one quadrant), allowing for standardized components that simplify manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. The multi-functional mirror mount integrates positioning, support, and motor mounting in a single structure.
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 solution enables the reflective mirror to flip at high speeds of up to 400 degrees per second with continuous operation, ensuring the stability and direction of light beams into the image sensor during exposure, while maintaining system reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The linear motors are mounted perpendicular to the reflective mirror's surface at the four corners corresponding to the two bending directions of the flexure. When the motors move linearly in opposite pairs, they create the angular motion of the reflective mirror
Implementation Method 2
The flexure is a mechanical part that can bend in two perpendicular directions. It is a critical component of the high-speed flipping mirror system, providing support for the flat mirror, creating a hinge-like joint that determines the mirror's flipping angle
Implementation Method 3
The flat mirror flipping system plays a crucial role in directing light beams from objects to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The high-speed flipping mirror system consists of a reflective mirror, linear motor, flexure, position sensor, mirror mount, and sensor mount to meet the requirements of the working environment, ensuring both high-speed scanning, light of sight stabilization to serve panoramic surveillance tasks; the mechanism has a rigid structure, good stability, and high vibration and shock resistance; the mechanism is suitable for application in wide scanning electro-optical systems with stringent image sharpness requirements to perform panoramic surveillance.