Deformable Mirror Actuator With Floating Head Force Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable mirror actuators face issues with high hysteresis rates, complex control requirements, and the need for continuous energy supply, as well as premature wear due to force imbalances in their design.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator design featuring a fixed body, a drive rod capable of translational movement, and a floating head connected via elastic means that balance forces, allowing bidirectional force generation without continuous energy supply and minimizing wear by balancing forces during neutral positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators are used, then deformation control is achieved, but hysteresis rate increases and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric, electrostrictive, or magnetostrictive actuators with an electromechanical actuator comprising a motor (electromagnetic system) that drives a mechanical transmission system (crank-slider mechanism). This substitution eliminates the need for complex hysteresis compensation control functions while achieving precise deformation control through mechanical means.
2Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators are used, then deformation control is achieved, but continuous energy supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator uses a motor that operates in periodic cycles - activating only when deformation adjustment is needed and entering standby mode when maintaining position. Unlike piezoelectric actuators that require continuous voltage to maintain deformation, this system consumes energy only during actuation phases, significantly reducing continuous energy supply requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a drive means with force imbalance is used, then actuation is achieved, but premature wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism in the form of a spring-loaded return system that balances the forces generated during actuation. The spring acts as a counterweight to the actuator's driving force, ensuring that the drive means operates under balanced load conditions throughout its stroke, thereby preventing premature wear and extending component lifespan.
4Use of energy by moving object
If stepper motor or direct current motor is used, then force maintenance without continuous energy supply is achieved, but force imbalance causes premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism in the form of a spring-loaded return system that balances the forces generated during actuation. The spring acts as a counterweight to the motor's driving force, ensuring that the drive means operates under balanced load conditions throughout its stroke, thereby preventing premature wear and extending component lifespan.
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
The actuator effectively generates bidirectional forces on a deformable substrate while reducing wear by balancing forces, enabling efficient deformation without continuous energy consumption and extending the lifespan of components.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic means (33) mounted between said drive rod (20) and said floating head (30) and intended to apply forces to said floating head (30) whose projections on said translational axis (xx') are in opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
a drive device, a drive rod (20) capable of being driven, by means of the drive device, in a translational movement relative to the fixed body (10) along a translational axis (xx')
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates, according to one aspect, to an actuator for generating a bidirectional force intended for being built into a deformable mirror including a deformable reflective substrate. Said actuator includes a stationary body (10); a drive device; a drive rod (20) capable of being translated relative to the stationary body (10), along a translation axis (xx'), by means of the drive device; and a floating head (30) intended for being attached to the deformable reflective substrate, and mounted so as to be floating relative to the drive rod by means of first and second resilient means (33, 35). The first and second resilient means (33, 35) are each mounted between the drive rod (20) and the floating head (30) and are intended for applying, to the floating head, forces which project in opposite directions on the translation axis (xx').