Mirror Scanner Yoke Design for Compact Optical Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical scanning devices with a C-shaped yoke require additional space for the magnetic field generating end, leading to increased device dimensions and limited placement options.

Innovation Solution

A mirror scanner design featuring a yoke with magnetic field generating ends that project perpendicular to the planar surface, allowing the yoke to extend along the mirror's surface without increasing the device height, and coils wound around the core portions of the yoke.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a C-shaped yoke with magnetic field generating end is disposed to face a permanent magnet on the backside surface of the mirror, then the mirror can be driven by electromagnetic interaction, but the device dimension is increased due to the required space for the magnetic field generating end

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving forceVSAvoiddevice dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke structure is reconfigured from a conventional C-shape with the magnetic field generating end facing the mirror to an L-shape where the magnetic field generating end extends along the backside surface of the mirror. This dimensional reorientation allows the magnetic field to be generated in a different spatial configuration, eliminating the need for additional vertical space while maintaining the driving force functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the magnetic field generating end of the yoke face the mirror directly (conventional approach), the invention inverts the configuration by extending the magnetic field generating end along the backside surface of the mirror. This inverted arrangement allows the magnetic field to interact with the permanent magnet on the mirror's backside without requiring the yoke to protrude toward the mirror, thus reducing device dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the backside surface of the mirror has a space corresponding to the height of the C-shaped yoke, then the electromagnetic driving mechanism can be implemented, but the location of the optical scanning device is limited due to increased size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving mechanism functionalityVSAvoidplacement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke is reconfigured to extend along the backside surface of the mirror rather than protruding toward it, changing the spatial dimension in which the magnetic field is generated. This allows the driving mechanism to function effectively while maintaining a compact profile, thereby improving placement flexibility in various locations such as vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional configuration where the yoke faces the mirror is inverted to an L-shape configuration where the yoke extends along the mirror's backside surface. This inversion enables the driving mechanism to achieve its function without increasing the device's vertical height, thus enhancing adaptability for diverse installation locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Power

If a C-shaped yoke is used with coils wound around it, then magnetic field can be generated to drive the mirror, but the device height increases limiting compact design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field generationVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coils are repositioned to be wound around the L-shaped yoke structure that extends along the backside surface of the mirror, rather than around a C-shaped yoke that protrudes toward the mirror. This dimensional change allows magnetic field generation to occur in a compact configuration, reducing the device's vertical volume while maintaining electromagnetic driving capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional C-shaped yoke configuration is inverted to an L-shape where the coils are wound around the yoke legs that extend along the mirror's backside surface. This inverted arrangement enables magnetic field generation without requiring the yoke to occupy vertical space in front of the mirror, thus achieving a more compact device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables efficient optical scanning while maintaining a compact device size, reducing power consumption, and allowing for flexible placement, such as in vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet made of a yoke and a coil wound around the yoke, generates a magnetic field by flowing an alternating current to the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

drives the mirror by an interaction with a magnetic field of a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

a mirror having a first surface that reflects a light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4047410B1Mirror scanner
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 PIONEER IP
  • EP4047410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4047410B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4047410B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mirror scanner comprising: a mirror having a first surface that reflects a light, the mirror being swingable about a swing axis; a permanent magnet disposed on a second surface which is a surface opposite of the first surface of the mirror; and a yoke having a pair of magnetic field generating ends and a pair of extending portions, the pair of magnetic field generating ends being disposed at positions facing the permanent magnet in the second surface side of the mirror, the pair of extending portions extending along the second surface of the mirror.