Permanent-Magnet Mirror Actuator With Single-Coil Two-Axis Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of actuators that drive mirrors is hindered by the need for two sets of electromagnets when driving the mirror in two axes, leading to increased size.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a mirror provided with a permanent magnet, capable of oscillating about two non-parallel axes, uses a single electromagnet with a yoke and coil, where the yoke ends face each other across a gap without overlapping the magnet's center, and superimposed currents drive the mirror oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of electromagnets are used to drive the mirror for two-axis movement, then the mirror can oscillate about two non-parallel axes, but the size of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate electromagnets into a single electromagnet. The yoke is configured with two arm portions that extend in different directions, and a single coil generates magnetic flux that interacts with the permanent magnet to produce oscillation about two non-parallel axes. This combining of electromagnet functions directly reduces the actuator size while maintaining two-axis oscillation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electromagnet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. By configuring the yoke with arm portions in different directions and using a single coil to generate magnetic flux, the electromagnet can drive oscillation about two non-parallel axes, making one component universal for what would traditionally require two separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two sets of electromagnets are used to drive the mirror for two-axis movement, then the mirror can oscillate about two non-parallel axes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two electromagnet systems into one by using a single coil to generate magnetic flux that interacts with the permanent magnet through a yoke configured with arm portions in different directions. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving two-axis oscillation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electromagnet structure with its multi-directional arm portions serves multiple functions, replacing what would traditionally require two separate electromagnet assemblies. This universal design reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the electromagnet configuration.
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 allows for a compact actuator design by sharing a single electromagnet for both axes, reducing size and minimizing crosstalk while enabling two-dimensional light direction control.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet having a yoke and a coil and applying a magnetic flux to the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
both ends of the yoke face each other at least partially across a gap, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a mirror and an electromagnet. The mirror is provided with a permanent magnet and is capable of oscillating about a first axis and a second axis as oscillation axes with respect to a reference plane. The second axis is non-parallel to the first axis. The electromagnet has a yoke and a coil and applies a magnetic flux to the permanent magnet. Both ends of the yoke face each other at least partially across a gap. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, a center Cg of the gap does not overlap a center Cm of the permanent magnet. A current I1 for causing the mirror to oscillate with respect to the first axis and a current I2 for causing the mirror to oscillate with respect to the second axis are superimposed and flowed through the coil.