Nested Optical Carriers for Multi-Axis Motion With Lower Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic actuator arrangements for optical systems often have limited power efficiency due to their design, which can lead to increased power consumption when moving optical components in different directions, as they require all actuators to move the carrier in multiple axes, resulting in higher mass and energy expenditure.

Innovation Solution

The use of nested carrier arrangements decouples motion between different axes, allowing for independent control and movement of optical components in specific directions by utilizing a stationary base, intermediate, and inner carriers with separate sets of suspension elements and actuators, optimizing power consumption and movement capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electromagnetic actuator arrangements use all actuators to move the carrier in multiple axes, then the optical component can be moved in different directions, but the power consumption increases and mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capability in multiple directionsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is divided into multiple nested carriers (first carrier, second carrier, third carrier) that can move independently in different directions. Each carrier has dedicated actuators for specific movement directions, allowing selective activation of actuators based on the required movement direction, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining multi-directional movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested carrier structure where the second carrier is positioned within the first carrier, and the third carrier is positioned within the second carrier. This nested arrangement allows each carrier to be moved by its own dedicated actuators in specific directions, enabling independent control of movement in different axes and reducing the power required compared to moving a single large carrier in all directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capability in multiple directionsVSAvoidcarrier mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier system is segmented into multiple nested carriers with dedicated actuators for specific directions. This segmentation allows each carrier to be lighter since it only needs actuators for its specific movement directions rather than all directions, reducing the overall mass while maintaining multi-directional movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nested carrier structure allows each inner carrier to be moved independently by its own actuators, eliminating the need for a single large carrier with actuators for all directions. This reduces the total mass of the system while preserving the ability to move the optical component in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Use of energy by moving object

If nested carrier arrangements are used to decouple motion between axes, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system is segmented into multiple independent actuator sets, each dedicated to moving a specific carrier in specific directions. This segmentation simplifies the control logic for each actuator set while reducing power consumption, as each actuator set only needs to handle its designated movement directions rather than all directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nested carrier structure with dedicated actuators for each carrier creates a modular system where complexity is distributed across multiple independent units. This modular approach reduces overall power consumption while managing complexity through standardized, independent actuator-carrier pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 approach reduces power consumption by allowing for differential tuning of movement axes, enabling more efficient movement of optical components along frequently used directions while maintaining control over less frequently used axes, thus enhancing the overall power efficiency of the actuator system.

Implementation Method 1

a voice coil actuator (also called 'voice coil motors' or 'voice coil motor actuators') utilizes one or more magnets and one or more coils to generate Lorentz forces when current is driven through the one or more coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240347250A1Nested carrier actuators for moving optical components

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments disclosed herein describe electromagnetic actuator arrangements having nested carriers. The nested carriers include an intermediate carrier moveably connected to a stationary base, and an inner carrier moveably coupled to the intermediate carrier. The inner carrier may carry an optical component, such as a diffuser, and may move the optical component relative to the stationary base by controlling the movement of the intermediate and/or inner carrier.