Mechanical Lever Positioning Device for Low Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the position of objects, such as microbeads, using optical imaging systems with piezoelectric actuators are costly and suffer from mechanical noise due to voltage feedback, which hinders precise position measurement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame, a holder movable in a given direction, a main lever with a mechanical reduction ratio, and a secondary lever to minimize transverse motion, all made from a high-strength material like aluminum, which reduces mechanical noise and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a piezoelectric device is used to actuate the holder, then the response time is fast, but the cost is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the piezoelectric actuator with a purely mechanical lever-based positioning system. The lever mechanism provides mechanical amplification to achieve fast response without electronic control, eliminating the need for expensive piezoelectric materials while maintaining rapid positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into multiple lever segments (first lever, second lever, third lever) that work together to amplify displacement. Each lever segment contributes to the overall mechanical advantage, allowing cost-effective achievement of fast response time through distributed mechanical functionality rather than a single expensive component.
2Reliability
If a piezoelectric device is used to actuate the holder, then the position can be maintained, but mechanical noise is introduced due to voltage feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the electronic voltage feedback system by using a passive mechanical lever mechanism. The levers naturally maintain position through mechanical equilibrium without requiring active electronic control, thereby eliminating the source of mechanical noise generated by voltage feedback while preserving position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lever system is self-regulating and maintains position automatically through its mechanical design without requiring external electronic feedback. The system serves itself by using the inherent mechanical properties of the levers to maintain equilibrium, eliminating the need for noise-generating electronic control systems.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical reduction ratio is used to reduce holder displacement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lever mechanisms into an integrated mechanical system where the first, second, and third levers work together as a unified structure. This merging provides the necessary mechanical reduction ratio for improved measurement precision while minimizing overall complexity through coordinated design of the lever components rather than separate complex mechanisms.
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
The device achieves precise and cost-effective positioning of objects with reduced mechanical noise, enabling improved measurement accuracy and reliability in applications like microscope focusing.
Implementation Method 1
the first pivot link and/or the second pivot link is(are) a torsion spring(s)
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric device has the advantage to actuate the holder with a fast response time after receiving a control voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A device positioning an object according to a given direction, including a frame, a holder for holding the object, the holder being movable relative to the frame according to the given direction, a main lever extending between a first point and a second point, said main lever being rotatably mounted to the frame via a first pivot link connecting the main lever and the frame at the first point of the main lever, the main lever being connected to the holder at a third point which is arranged between the first point and the second point, so that a displacement of the second point of the main lever relative to the frame according to the given direction causes displacement of the holder in said given direction.