Monolithic Glass Beam Steering for Thermal Stability and Fast Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-electro-mechanical beam manipulation systems for scanners in surveying technologies face challenges in achieving robust construction, high deflection dynamics, and thermal stability while maintaining complexity and cost-effectiveness, particularly in laser-based and light-based applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a beam manipulation system using a one-piece connection of silicate glass, specifically quartz glass, with a recess around a movable optical element, providing kinematically defined mobility and elastic deformation, produced through a 3D-printing-like process using focused laser radiation and chemical etching, enables improved deflection dynamics and thermal stability with minimal defect density and homogeneous tension distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional separate-component construction is used for beam manipulation systems, then assembly and manufacturing are relatively simple, but thermal stability and structural robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stator and movable element into a single monolithic opto-electro-mechanical component manufactured from one piece of silicon oxide glass. This integration eliminates thermal expansion mismatches between separate components and improves thermal stability while maintaining structural robustness, directly resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and assembly complexity.
2Speed
If conventional beam manipulation systems are used, then construction is simpler, but deflection dynamics and oscillating frequency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically optimized monolithic structure with integrated spring elements that provide elastic support and restore the movable element to its zero position. This dynamic design enables high oscillating frequencies and improved deflection dynamics while maintaining construction simplicity through the one-piece manufacturing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter by using silicon oxide glass with specific elastic properties and structural parameters optimized for high-frequency oscillation. The monolithic construction allows precise control of geometric parameters such as spring element dimensions and movable element mass distribution, enabling high deflection dynamics and oscillating frequencies.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are assembled, then manufacturing and assembly are easier, but defect density increases and tension distribution becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (stator, movable element, spring elements) into a single monolithic component manufactured from one piece of silicon oxide glass. This eliminates assembly defects, ensures homogeneous tension distribution throughout the structure, and reduces overall defect density while the 3D printing-like manufacturing process maintains production feasibility.
4Force
If traditional opto-electro-mechanical systems are used, then deflection range is adequate, but deflection force requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically optimized spring elements integrated into the monolithic structure that provide efficient elastic support and restore the movable element to its zero position. This dynamic elastic support reduces the force required for deflection while maintaining adequate deflection range, and the integrated design keeps system complexity low.
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 a system with enhanced thermal stability, high deflection amplitudes, and minimal deflection force application, allowing for higher oscillating frequencies and larger active surfaces, while simplifying the production process and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible connection is designed differently depending on the type of deflection. Torsion spring elements are typically used to provide a rotational mobility and linear spring elements or leaf spring elements are used to provide a translational mobility. The corresponding spring elements have function-defining constructive and spring-material-specific features, so that the spring element elastically deforms reversibly upon the deflection of the optical element.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is adapted in this case to the opto-electro-mechanical beam manipulation system and effectuates the deflection, for example, based on electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, or also thermoelectric operating principles.
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is adapted in this case to the opto-electro-mechanical beam manipulation system and effectuates the deflection, for example, based on electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, or also thermoelectric operating principles.
Implementation Method 4
The actuator is adapted in this case to the opto-electro-mechanical beam manipulation system and effectuates the deflection, for example, based on electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, or also thermoelectric operating principles.
Implementation Method 5
The actuator is adapted in this case to the opto-electro-mechanical beam manipulation system and effectuates the deflection, for example, based on electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, or also thermoelectric operating principles.
Implementation Method 6
The one-piece connection consists of silicate glass, in particular quartz glass, and the recess is arranged around the movable element in such a way that the movable element is deflectable by means of the actuator in accordance with the kinematically defined mobility with elastic deformation of the connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electro-mechanical system for manipulating optical radiation comprising a rotationally or translationally movable element, wherein the element is itself an optical element or comprises an optical element. Furthermore the system comprises a stator for the movable element having a recess enabling a deflection range, a flexible connection between the stator and the movable element providing a corresponding kinematically defined mobility, and an actuator for deflecting the movable element, wherein the stator is connected as one piece to the movable element, and the one-piece connection consists of silicate glass- and the recess is arranged around the movable element in such a way that the movable element is deflectable in accordance with the kinematically defined mobility with elastic deformation of the connection by means of the actuator.