Movable Mirror Support Layout for Wider Optical Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The scanning angle of light in movable devices is limited due to the support frame blocking part of the light and the movable portion, restricting the scanning range.

Innovation Solution

The movable device is configured with a support frame that is separated in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis, allowing for increased scanning angles by minimizing light obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the support frame closely surrounds the movable portion, then structural support is improved, but the scanning angle is limited due to light blocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidscanning angle
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into separate segments rather than forming a continuous surrounding structure. This segmentation creates gaps that allow light to pass through, enabling the scanning angle to exceed 180 degrees while maintaining structural support through the distributed framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the rotational angle of the movable portion increases, then the scanning coverage is improved, but light is blocked by the support frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning angleVSAvoidlight blocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Portions of the support frame are removed or extracted to create light-passing gaps. These gaps are strategically positioned to allow light to pass through during the scanning motion, eliminating the harmful light blocking effect while maintaining the necessary structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enhances the scanning angle by reducing light blocking, enabling broader scanning ranges and improved optical performance.

Implementation Method 1

a thin film of a piezoelectric material superposed on the elastic beam, and that drives (rotates) the movable portion using the drive beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a movable device that provides scanning with light reflected by a reflecting surface by rotating a movable portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3899636B1Movable device, distance measurement device and mount
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3899636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3899636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3899636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A movable device includes a movable portion including a reflecting surface; a pair of drive beams configured to support the movable portion rotatably around a predetermined rotation axis with the movable portion disposed between the pair of drive beams; and a support portion configured to support the pair of drive beams. The support portion has a light passing portion on each of both sides of the movable portion in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis in a plane along the reflecting surface in a state in which the movable portion is not rotated, the light passing portion being configured to allow light reflected by the reflecting surface to pass through the light passing portion.