MEMS Mirror Array for Light Steering Actuation Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light steering systems relying on single micro-mirrors require high actuation forces, leading to reduced reliability and increased mass, which can shorten the lifespan of MEMS actuators and create a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple rotatable mirrors, each with a single orthogonal rotational axis, reduces actuation force and power requirements while maintaining or improving the two-dimensional field of view and dispersion, and distributes the risk of failure across multiple mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single micro-mirror is used for light steering, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure and high actuation force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light steering function into multiple independent micro-mirrors instead of using a single mirror. Each micro-mirror can operate independently, so if one fails, the others can still perform light steering. This segmentation improves reliability by eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through modular architecture.
2Device complexity
If a single micro-mirror is used for light steering, then the actuation system is simplified, but the actuation force required increases, reducing actuator lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The total actuation force requirement is distributed across multiple independent actuators, each driving a separate micro-mirror. This segmentation reduces the force burden on each individual actuator, allowing them to operate within optimal force ranges for longer durations, thereby extending actuator lifespan while keeping the actuation system relatively simple.
3Reliability
If multiple micro-mirrors are used for light steering, then the reliability improves by distributing failure risk, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular mirror array where each micro-mirror is an independent, identical unit. This segmentation approach improves reliability through redundancy while controlling complexity by using standardized, repeatable modules that can be manufactured and assembled systematically rather than designing a complex integrated system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple micro-mirrors are used for light steering, then the field of view and dispersion are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an array of segmented micro-mirrors where each mirror can be independently positioned. This segmentation enables expanded field of view and improved dispersion characteristics as each mirror contributes to the overall light steering capability. The complexity is managed through modular design where identical mirror units are arranged in patterns that achieve the desired optical performance.
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 configuration enhances the reliability and precision of light steering systems by reducing actuation force, increasing the lifespan of actuators, and providing a larger field of view with reduced dispersion, while mitigating the risk of a single point of failure.
Implementation Method 1
an array of first rotatable mirrors to receive and reflect the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide an apparatus for adjusting a light beam that includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), a non-MEMS system. The MEMS may include: an array of first rotatable mirrors to receive and reflect the light beam and an array of first actuators configured to rotate each rotatable mirror of the array of first rotatable mirrors. The non-MEMS system may include a second adjustable mirror to receive and reflect the light beam and a second actuator configured to adjust the second adjustable mirror. The light beam received by the array of first rotatable mirrors is the light beam reflected by the second adjustable mirror or the light beam received by the second adjustable mirror is reflected by the array of first rotatable mirror.