Gear-Cam Movable Mechanism for Zero-Voltage Position Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEMS devices require continuous application of voltage to maintain the movable portion stationary, leading to increased power consumption and potential temporal changes in angle due to voltage-induced properties.
Innovation Solution
A movable device with a gear and cam mechanism driven by a piezoelectric actuator, where the gear teeth and lug shapes are designed to allow the movable portion to remain stationary without applied voltage, utilizing the engagement of teeth and lug shapes to maintain position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous voltage is applied to maintain the movable portion stationary, then positioning stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static voltage-holding system to a dynamic gear-cam mechanism. The movable portion is positioned through mechanical engagement of gear teeth and cam surfaces, which inherently maintain position without continuous energy input. The system uses mechanical dynamics (gear rotation and cam follower motion) to achieve positioning stability without continuous voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical holding system (continuous voltage application) with a mechanical positioning system (gear and cam mechanism). The mechanical engagement between gear teeth and the cam's follower provides inherent position maintenance through physical contact and geometric constraints, eliminating the need for continuous electrical energy input.
2Stability of the object's composition
If continuous voltage is applied to maintain the movable portion stationary, then positioning control is improved, but temporal changes in angle occur due to voltage-induced properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical control system with a mechanical positioning system. The gear-cam mechanism provides deterministic angular positioning through precise mechanical geometry rather than voltage-dependent control. This eliminates temporal angle changes caused by voltage-induced material properties such as piezoelectric drift or electrostatic field variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical positioning system is self-maintaining through the inherent geometry of the gear and cam components. Once positioned, the mechanical engagement automatically maintains the angular position without requiring continuous external control input or voltage application, making the system self-correcting and stable against temporal drift.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a gear and cam mechanism is used to eliminate continuous voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and motion control functions into a single integrated gear-cam mechanism. The gear provides rotational positioning while the cam converts this rotation into the desired movable portion actuation, combining multiple functions into one compact mechanical assembly that reduces overall system complexity despite the mechanical nature of the solution.
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
Reduces power consumption and prevents temporal changes in the movable portion's angle by maintaining stability without continuous voltage application, ensuring precise positioning and reduced energy use.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator to cause the second protrusion to reciprocate in response to application of voltage or electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A movable device includes: a mechanism configured to drive a movable portion, the mechanism including: a gear including a first protrusion; and a cam in contact with the movable portion; and a driver to drive the mechanism, the driver including: a second protrusion to engage with the first protrusion; and an actuator to cause the second protrusion to reciprocate in response to application of voltage or electric current, to rotate the gear in a predetermined direction, to rotate the cam with the rotation of the gear to drive the movable portion. The first protrusion has a shape in which a downstream portion in the predetermined direction is lower in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction than an upstream portion. The second protrusion has a shape in which a downstream portion in the predetermined direction is higher in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction than an upstream portion.