Micro-mirror Array Optical Switch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-mirror arrays in optical switches face limitations in mirror occupancy, leading to reduced transmission quality and increased size due to the alignment of micro-mirror elements, which also results in poor resistance to oscillations and impacts.
Innovation Solution
The micro-mirror array design includes micro-mirror elements that rotate around two axes, with a support unit extending between adjacent mirrors and connected to an outer frame, allowing for closer alignment and enhanced mirror occupancy without size limitations, and incorporates balancers and reinforcing beams for improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-mirror elements are arranged with inner frames covering the mirrors, then the structure is stable, but mirror occupancy cannot be increased due to space taken by inner frames between adjacent mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inner frame structure that was previously covering each mirror, removing it to eliminate the space it occupied between adjacent mirrors. This allows mirrors to be positioned closer together, increasing mirror occupancy from the previous limited arrangement to a denser configuration where mirrors can nearly touch each other in the alignment direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function previously performed by inner frames into a shared outer frame structure. By eliminating individual inner frames and using a common outer frame with reinforcing beams, the design achieves both structural stability and higher mirror occupancy, as the outer frame provides support without occupying space between mirrors.
2Area of moving object
If mirrors are positioned closer together to increase mirror occupancy, then transmission quality improves, but resistance to oscillations and impacts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structural approach combining an outer frame with reinforcing beams and torsion bars. This composite structure provides both the close mirror positioning needed for high occupancy and the mechanical strength required for oscillation and impact resistance, as the reinforcing beams and torsion bars work together to stabilize the closely-spaced mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates torsion bars as shock-absorbing elements that provide beforehand cushioning against oscillations and impacts. These torsion bars are pre-configured to flex and absorb mechanical stress, protecting the closely-spaced mirrors from damage while allowing the mirrors to maintain their high-density arrangement for improved transmission quality.
3Reliability
If conventional inner frame structure is used, then each mirror is individually supported, but the device size increases and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the outer frame structure universal, serving multiple functions simultaneously: it supports all mirrors, provides structural stability, enables close mirror positioning, and incorporates reinforcing beams for additional support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate inner frames for each mirror, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable mirror support.
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 design enhances mirror occupancy, simplifies the structure, and improves resistance to oscillations, resulting in improved transmission quality and reduced size, while maintaining stability and efficiency in optical switches.
Implementation Method 1
By electrostatic force generated by the mirror-side movable electrode 85 and the mirror side fixed electrode 87a operating together, the mirror 83 connected to the mirror arm 84 is rotatable (swingable) around the rotation axis of the torsion bars 86, 86
Implementation Method 2
With the electrostatic force generated by operating the inner-frame-side movable electrode 87c and the outer-frame-side fixed electrode 88b together, the inner frame 87 is rotatable (swingable) around a rotation axis of the torsion bars 89, 89
Implementation Method 3
The mirror 83 is supported by an inner frame 87 via a pair of torsion bars 86, 86 in the mirror arm 84, and is rotatable (swingable) around a rotation axis of the torsion bars 86, 86
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-mirror array including a plurality of micro-mirror elements and each of the micro-mirror elements includes a mirror rotating around two axes and a support unit connected to an outer frame and supporting the mirror. The support unit extends between the mirror of the micro-mirror elements including the support unit and one of two mirrors adjacent to the mirror, and both ends of the support unit are connected to the outer frame.