Microshutter Array Torsion Arm Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microshutter arrays for digital cameras face challenges in scaling, poor fill factor, fabrication difficulties, and high power consumption, making them unsuitable for hand-held imaging devices due to size constraints and mechanical complexity.

Innovation Solution

A microshutter array with individually programmable actuable microshutter elements, each with a flat blade and torsion arms, controlled by a separate voltage, allowing for independent operation and reduced power consumption, and capable of accommodating varying light angles from a camera lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional MEMS microshutter arrays are used for digital camera applications, then selective light blocking capability is achieved, but device size becomes too large and mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective light blocking capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical MEMS shutter actuation with a purely optical solution using a liquid crystal display (LCD) layer. The LCD pixels are individually controllable and selectively block light without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining selective light blocking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an LCD layer that optically replicates the shutter array function. Instead of physically moving microshutters, the LCD creates an optical copy of the desired shutter pattern through pixel-level control, achieving the same light blocking effect without mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Volume of moving object

If conventional MEMS microshutter arrays are scaled down for hand-held devices, then device size is reduced, but fill factor deteriorates and fabrication becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidfabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical MEMS shutter structure with an LCD-based optical system, the patent eliminates the need for precise mechanical fabrication at micro-scale. LCD technology uses well-established semiconductor manufacturing processes that can be scaled down without the same fabrication challenges as MEMS mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical movement to optical modulation. This allows the system to be implemented using LCD technology with different fabrication parameters that are more suitable for miniaturization and hand-held device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional MEMS microshutter arrays with electrode walls are used, then shutter actuation is achieved, but light transmission is reduced due to poor fill factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter actuationVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical shutters with an LCD layer where light transmission is controlled by liquid crystal optical properties rather than physical barriers. This eliminates the need for electrode walls and mechanical structures that block light, allowing for superior fill factor and light transmission while maintaining individual pixel control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Improves shutter speed, reduces power consumption, and provides greater flexibility in shutter timing while allowing more light transmission, making it suitable for digital cameras and hand-held imaging devices.

Implementation Method 1

Each microshutter element includes a flat blade extended in a length direction across a width of the light transmissive portion and first and second torsion arms connected to the frame and extending outwards from each side of the blade in the length direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

first and second torsion arms connected to the frame and extending outwards from each side of the blade in the length direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8194178B2Programmable micro-electromechanical microshutter array

Publication Date: 2012.06.05 OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A microshutter array has a frame having a light transmissive portion. Linear microshutter elements extend across the light transmissive portion and in parallel to each other. Each microshutter element has a flat blade extended in a length direction and first and second torsion arms extending outwards from each side of the blade in the length direction, the blade extending across the light transmissive portion. A control circuit provides a separately-controlled and independent voltage that is applied to each of the linear microshutter elements. A controller sets the respective voltages applied to each of the linear microshutter elements.