Movable Portion Locking Structure for Low-Power Position Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MEMS devices face challenges in maintaining a stationary position of movable portions without continuous supply of voltage or current, leading to inefficiencies and potential displacement.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an engaging mechanism with convex and concave portions that engage statically relative to the movement direction, using piezoelectric elements to generate driving forces, and a spring structure to maintain the movable portion's position through engagement forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous voltage or current is supplied to maintain the movable portion's position, then the movable portion remains stationary with high reliability, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring structure that dynamically adapts to the movable portion's position, providing continuous mechanical support without requiring continuous electrical power. The spring's elastic properties enable it to maintain the movable portion at desired positions through physical tension/compression rather than electrical actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical holding mechanism (continuous voltage/current supply) with a mechanical holding mechanism (spring structure with convex-concave engagement). This substitution eliminates the need for continuous electrical power while maintaining position stability through mechanical forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the movable portion is allowed to move freely to reduce power consumption, then energy usage decreases, but the movable portion cannot maintain a stationary position reliably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring structure acts as an intermediary between the movable portion and the fixed structure, providing controlled mechanical support. The convex-concave portions serve as intermediaries that engage to prevent displacement while allowing the spring to maintain continuous contact and support the movable portion's weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding mechanism is segmented into multiple convex portions on the spring structure that can engage with corresponding concave portions on the movable portion. This segmentation allows for multiple discrete engagement points along the movement direction, providing reliable positioning at various positions while maintaining low power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If a mechanical structure is added to maintain position without power, then device complexity increases, but the continuous power supply requirement is eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the movable portion, maintains continuous contact without power consumption, enables engagement through convex-concave portions for position holding, and allows controlled movement when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the support function and the position-holding function into a single integrated spring structure with convex-concave engagement features. Rather than having separate support elements and separate locking mechanisms, the spring structure combines both functions, reducing overall mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables the movable portion to remain stationary with reduced power consumption by preventing displacement, allowing for precise control and minimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

using piezoelectric elements to generate driving forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a spring structure to maintain the movable portion's position through engagement forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12523864B2Movable device, range-finding apparatus, image display apparatus, head-mounted display, wavelength-variable laser unit, and spectroscopic sensor

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A movable device includes: a movable portion; a driving section configured to generate a driving force to move the movable portion; a movement mechanical section; and at least one convex portion. The movement mechanical section includes: a contact portion contacting the movable portion, the contact portion movable in a movement direction by the driving force of the driving section; and multiple concave-convex portions movable with the contact portion in the movement direction. At least one convex portion engaging with corresponding one of the multiple concave-convex portions, said at least one convex portion being static relative to the movement mechanical section in the movement direction.