Reflecting Mirror Actuation for Precise Image Illumination Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image illuminating devices face challenges in accurately adjusting the direction of reflecting mirrors due to backlash in drive force transmission mechanisms, leading to potential adverse effects on the image generation unit when sunlight is inadvertently reflected.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a reflecting mirror supported to turn about a left-right axis with an actuator having a linear motion output shaft that reciprocates in an up-down direction, coupled via a bearing member displaceable in the front-rear direction, ensuring precise adjustment and maintaining the coupling state even during large turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fan gear and spur gear mechanism is used to transmit drive force to the reflecting mirror, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the direction adjustment accuracy deteriorates due to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fan gear and spur gear mechanical transmission system with a linear motion actuator that directly drives the reflecting mirror through a linear guide mechanism. This substitution eliminates gear backlash and provides precise positional control while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of standard linear motion components.
2Measurement precision
If the actuator is coupled directly to the reflecting mirror, then the direction adjustment accuracy is improved, but the coupling state becomes difficult to maintain during large mirror turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linear guide mechanism that adds a dimensional degree of freedom, allowing the actuator to maintain its coupling state with the reflecting mirror during large angular movements. The linear guide constrains the motion to a straight line while the mirror rotates, decoupling the rotational movement from the actuator's linear motion and preventing coupling loss.
3Measurement precision
If a linear motion output shaft with bearing member coupling is used, then the direction adjustment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linear guide as an intermediary mechanism between the linear motion actuator and the reflecting mirror. This intermediary component simplifies the overall coupling by providing a straightforward linear-to-rotational conversion mechanism, reducing the need for complex bearing arrangements and multiple connection points while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
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
Accurate direction adjustment of the reflecting mirror is achieved, preventing sunlight from inadvertently reflecting onto the image generation unit, thus maintaining the device's functionality and preventing adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a linear motion output shaft that reciprocates in an up-down direction, the actuator is coupled to the reflecting mirror via a bearing member turnably engaged with a tip end portion of the linear motion output shaft
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted from the image generation unit toward the image display unit
Data Source
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AI summary
In an image illuminating device, the direction of a reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted from an image generation unit toward an image display unit can be accurately adjusted without difficulty. As an actuator 70 for turning a second reflecting mirror 40 that reflects light emitted from the image generation unit toward the image display unit about an axis Ax extending in a left-right direction, a linear motion output shaft 72 that reciprocates in an up-down direction is provided. In addition, the linear motion output shaft 72 is coupled to a lever member 46 fixed to the second reflecting mirror 40 via a bearing member 74 disposed so as to be turnably engaged with a tip end portion 72a. In this case, the bearing member 74 is configured to be attached to the lever member 46 in a manner displaceable in a device front-rear direction. As a result, even if the lever member 46 turns, a coupling state with the linear motion output shaft 72 is maintained without difficulty.