Lorentz-Force Mirror Tilting for Precise 2D Optical Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for tilting optical elements, particularly in two dimensions, are not cost-effective and lack sufficient control over the tilting process.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising conductor sections that generate Lorentz forces to tilt an optical element about two independent axes, allowing for independent control of currents through each conductor section to achieve precise 2D tilting, with magnets and coils arranged to optimize magnetic field alignment and minimize external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional actuators (electromagnets or piezoelectric based) are used to tilt the mirror assembly, then the device can achieve tilting function, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electromagnet or piezoelectric actuators with a Lorentz force-based actuation system. The system uses a permanent magnet attached to the mirror assembly interacting with current-carrying conductor sections (coils) to generate tilting forces. This substitution simplifies the actuator assembly by eliminating complex electromagnet structures or piezoelectric elements while maintaining precise tilting control through controlled current application to the conductor sections.
2Force
If magnetization of the magnet is perpendicular to the winding axis of the coils, then the Lorentz force can be generated, but unwanted force components are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by orienting the magnetization of the permanent magnet parallel to the winding axis of the coils rather than perpendicular. This specific local orientation of the magnetic field ensures that when current flows through the conductor sections, the resulting Lorentz forces act purely in the desired tilting direction without generating unwanted lateral or rotational force components that would occur with perpendicular magnetization.
3Productivity
If fast and highly controllable 2D scanning is achieved through independent current control of conductor sections, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conductor system into multiple independent conductor sections (first conductor section, second conductor section, third conductor section, fourth conductor section), each capable of receiving independently controlled currents. This segmentation enables fast and highly controllable 2D scanning by allowing differential current control to generate torques about different axes. The segmented approach achieves high productivity while keeping the control system manageable through modular current distribution to each conductor section.
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
Enables fast and highly controllable 2D scanning of optical elements with improved efficiency and reduced costs by utilizing orthogonal or angled tilting directions and optimized magnetic field alignment.
Implementation Method 1
conductor sections (30, 40) that generate Lorentz forces to tilt an optical element (10) about two independent axes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1, 2) for pivoting an optical element (10), comprising: an optical element (10), wherein the optical element is movably mounted so that the optical element can be tilted at least about a first axis (A),a magnet (20) extending in an extension direction (Z), wherein the magnet (20) comprises a magnetization (M) aligned with said extension direction (Z), and wherein the magnet (20) comprises a front side (20a), and wherein optical element (10) is rigidly coupled to the magnet (20) or to a first conductor section (30) that faces the front side (20a) of the magnet (20) in the extension direction (Z), wherein the first conductor section (30) extends along the first axis (A), and a current source means (50) electrically connected to the first conductor section (30), which current source means (50) is designed to apply an electrical current (I) to said first conductor section (30), so that a Lorentz force is generated that tilts the optical element (10) about said first axis (A) along a first tilting direction (x).