Multi-Phase Actuation for Optical Elements

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems face challenges in achieving high actuation forces efficiently while maintaining compactness and energy efficiency, as high actuation forces require large actuators which consume more energy and space.

Innovation Solution

A multi-phase actuation method that utilizes multiple actuators working together to reduce the required actuation force, where in the first phase, multiple actuators drive to an intermediate position, and in the second phase, they reverse direction to reach their final positions, thereby distributing the restoring force among multiple actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If high actuation forces are required to overcome restoring forces in optical elements, then the optical adjustment capability is improved, but the actuator size and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation process is segmented into multiple phases with different actuator configurations. During the first phase, all actuators work together to overcome high restoring forces. During the second phase, only necessary actuators are activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high actuation forces when needed while reducing energy consumption during maintenance phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts which actuators are active based on the current state and required adjustment. The control module determines end positions and selectively activates actuators in different phases, making the actuation system adaptive and energy-efficient rather than continuously consuming power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If high actuation forces are required to overcome restoring forces in optical elements, then the optical adjustment capability is improved, but the actuator size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidactuator size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation process is segmented into multiple phases with different actuator configurations. During the first phase, all actuators work together to overcome high restoring forces. During the second phase, only necessary actuators are activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high actuation forces when needed while reducing energy consumption during maintenance phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts which actuators are active based on the current state and required adjustment. The control module determines end positions and selectively activates actuators in different phases, making the actuation system adaptive and energy-efficient rather than continuously consuming power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If multiple actuators are used to reduce individual actuator force requirements, then the actuator size is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator sizeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple actuators are designed with identical structures and functions, each capable of performing the same actuation task. This universality reduces individual actuator size while the coordinated control managed by a single control module handles the complexity, avoiding the need for different specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module determines end positions for each actuator and coordinates their operation through a controlled process with two phases. This feedback-based coordination manages the complexity of multiple actuators by providing clear control logic rather than requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250116840A1Method and system for reducing actuation forces for an adjustable optical element

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 OPTOTUNE SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-phase actuation method for adjusting an optical element comprising a plurality of actuators, wherein the method comprises the steps of: Determining an end position for each actuator to which each actuator is to be actuated for adjusting the optical element; In a first actuation phase, driving at least two or more actuators of the plurality of actuators to a first actuation position; in a second actuation phase, driving all actuators that have not reached their associated end position to their associated end position, wherein at least one of the two or more actuators reverses its drive direction to reach its associated end position(s), such that the optical element arrives in its adjusted state.