Light Deflector Actuator Layout for Wider Optical Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light deflectors restrict the movable range and scanning angle due to deformation inhibition between coupling portions, limiting the optical scanning capability.

Innovation Solution

A light deflector design with a movable unit supported by multiple actuators, where the coupling portions are positioned to allow longer supporting units, preventing interference and enabling increased scanning angles while maintaining mechanical stability and compact size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If coupling portions are provided at an interval of 90° on the periphery of the movable unit, then the light deflector maintains structural symmetry and manufacturing simplicity, but the movable range of the movable unit is restricted and the scanning angle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmovable range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the movable unit into multiple independent segments (first movable unit, second movable unit, third movable unit, fourth movable unit) that can oscillate independently around different axes. This segmentation allows each unit to move without being constrained by the positions of other coupling portions, thereby increasing the overall movable range and scanning angle while maintaining the 90° interval configuration for ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If coupling portions are positioned to support the movable unit, then mechanical stability is improved, but the deformation of coupling portions is inhibited during oscillation, reducing the scanning angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidscanning angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic coupling portions that are designed to deform elastically during oscillation. The coupling portions include elastic members that can flexibly adapt to the oscillation movements of the movable units, maintaining mechanical stability while allowing sufficient deformation to achieve a larger scanning angle. This dynamic design enables the coupling portions to balance between providing structural support and accommodating the required range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3882683B1Movable device, image projection apparatus, object recognition device, and mobile object
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3882683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3882683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3882683B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A movable device (13) includes a first member (103, 104a, and 108) and a second member (104b and 104c). The first actuator (104a) includes: a supporting unit (105a) supporting the movable unit (103); and a drive unit (106a) coupled to the other end of the supporting unit (105a), the drive unit (106a) configured to deform the supporting unit (105a) to cause the movable unit (103) to oscillate. The movable device (103) has a first region (Ri) and a second region (R2) divided by a virtual line. The supporting unit (105a) is coupled to the movable unit (103) within the second region (R2). An edge of the drive unit (103), which is opposite to the fixed edge (107a), faces the movable unit (103) as viewed from the center of the movable unit (103) in a plan view.