Bidirectional MEMS Driving Arrangement with Actuator Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEMS driving arrangements for electronic devices, such as timepieces, require more actuators than desired and are complex, leading to potential undesired motion and loss of calibration, especially in bidirectional driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS driving arrangement using an actuator ring and driven wheel combination with a hysteresis-type motion, driven by two actuators that progressively engage and disengage teeth, ensuring constant engagement and reducing the number of actuator portions needed, thereby preventing slippage and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four individual MEMS actuator portions are used to achieve bidirectional driving, then bidirectional rotation capability is provided, but the number of actuators increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple actuators into a single integrated MEMS actuator structure. The actuator includes both a tangential driving portion for generating rotational torque and a radial driving portion for engaging/disengaging with the driven wheel, combining what would traditionally require separate actuators into one unified component that achieves bidirectional rotation capability while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single MEMS actuator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a tangential driver for rotation and as a radial driver for engagement control. This universal actuator structure can perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated actuators, thereby reducing the total number of components needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are pulled out of meshing with the driven wheel during direction changes, then bidirectional rotation is enabled, but undesired motion and calibration loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic engagement pattern where the radial driving portion rhythmically engages and disengages with the driven wheel's teeth in synchronization with the tangential driving portion's rotation cycles. This periodic action ensures that the actuator remains in controlled meshing contact during direction changes, preventing undesired motion and maintaining calibration accuracy while still enabling bidirectional rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The design maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that the radial driving portion remains engaged with the driven wheel during direction transitions, preventing slippage and calibration loss. The coordinated operation of tangential and radial driving portions ensures uninterrupted torque transmission and positional accuracy throughout the bidirectional rotation cycle
3Ease of operation
If multiple actuator portions are used to control engagement, then directional control is improved, but the number of control signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions for both tangential and radial driving into a single integrated control system. By merging the control of what would be separate actuators into one unified MEMS actuator structure, the number of independent control signals is reduced while maintaining precise directional control capability through coordinated actuation of the integrated driving portions
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 solution allows for a smaller, stronger, and more efficient driving assembly with reduced control signals, achieving bidirectional functionality while preventing undesired motion and maintaining calibration accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first driving actuator, which is an electrostatic activation area, for selectively pulling the actuator ring in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
pushing the actuator ring in a direction opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a second driving actuator, which is an electrostatic activation area, for selectively pulling the actuator ring in a second direction and pushing the actuator ring in a direction opposite the second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction
Implementation Method 4
the driving actuation assembly, coupled to the actuator ring, for driving the actuator ring in a hysteresis-type motion so as to cause rotation of the driven wheel
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~5
AI summary
A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) driving arrangement comprising a driven wheel comprising (n) teeth about an outer periphery thereof, an actuator ring around the driven wheel, itself comprising (n) + (x) teeth about an inner periphery thereof, wherein the (n) + (x) teeth of the actuator ring progressively engage and disengage subsets of the (n) teeth of the driven wheel; a driving actuation assembly, coupled to the actuator ring, for driving the actuator ring in a hysteresis-type motion so as to cause rotation of the driven wheel, wherein after one full cycle of engagements and disengagements between selective subsets of the (n) teeth of the driven wheel with selective subsets of the (n)+(x) teeth of the actuator ring, the driven wheel rotates by (x) teeth corresponding to [(360)(x)/(n)]°.