Multi-Element Optical Scanner Motors With Internal Bearing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanners are large and bulky, making them difficult to integrate into smaller and weight-sensitive platforms due to the placement of bearings around the outside of optical devices, which causes increased friction, wear, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The bearings and drive mechanisms are positioned within openings of the optical elements, reducing linear velocities and friction, and the motors are integrated in a compact manner, allowing for smaller and lighter devices with reduced occlusion and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If bearings are positioned around the outside of optical elements, then the optical path is less obstructed, but the device becomes larger, heavier, and consumes more power
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is positioned inside an opening through the optical element, nesting the support structure within the optical component itself rather than placing it externally. This integrates the bearing into the optical element's volume, reducing overall device footprint and weight while maintaining optical path clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing is oriented with its rotation axis aligned with the optical element's rotation axis, and the bearing itself is positioned in a plane that transits through the optical element. This dimensional repositioning allows the bearing to be hidden within the optical element's opening, eliminating external mounting requirements and reducing device size.
2Strength
If bearings are positioned around the outside of optical elements, then structural support is provided, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is axially loaded to reduce axial motion between bearing elements, and the bearing inner race is positioned to rotate with the optical element while the outer race remains stationary relative to the housing. This configuration minimizes relative motion and friction between bearing components, reducing wear and improving reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If bearings are positioned around the outside of optical elements, then the drive mechanism can be mounted externally, but the device becomes more complex and harder to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is integrated within the housing, with the motor positioned such that its rotor can be accessed through the opening in the optical element. The shaft extends through the optical element to connect the motor to the bearing, merging the drive mechanism with the optical assembly rather than requiring separate external mounting.
4Speed
If the shaft is fixed with the bearing positioned in the opening, then the optical element can rotate smoothly, but the motor requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing inner race is designed to rotate with the optical element, and the outer race remains stationary relative to the housing, providing self-aligning support. The axial loading of the bearing automatically maintains proper alignment between shaft and optical element, reducing the precision requirements for motor positioning during assembly.
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 results in compact, lightweight scanners with extended operational life and reduced power consumption, suitable for integration into various mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
The bearings and drive mechanisms are positioned within openings of the optical elements, reducing linear velocities and friction
Implementation Method 2
a motor coupled to the at least one optical element to rotate the at least one optical element. The motor can include a stator and a rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes at least one optical element positionable along an optical path to receive radiation, a shaft extending through a center of the at least one optical element, and an emitter configured to emit light along an emitted light axis. The emitted light axis does not coincide with a shaft axis of the shaft.