Optical Deflection Device with Zig-Zag Beams for Constant Scanning Speed

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical deflection devices face issues with uneven scanning speed due to varying piezoelectric deformation caused by voltage application during two-dimensional scanning, leading to non-linear optical scanning angles and image distortion.

Innovation Solution

The optical deflection device employs a pair of zig-zag beams with piezoelectric elements, where different sawtooth wave voltages are applied to each beam to flexibly deform them, allowing for adjustable oscillation of a reflection mirror at a constant speed by adjusting the voltage based on the piezoelectric constant, ensuring consistent scanning speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If sawtooth wave voltage is applied to piezoelectric elements for vertical scanning, then optical scanning is achieved, but scanning speed becomes uneven due to varying piezoelectric deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidlinearity of scanning angle
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the voltage waveform parameters applied to the piezoelectric elements. Instead of using a standard sawtooth wave, the invention uses a corrected waveform where the voltage change amount varies at different time points during the scanning period. This parameter modification compensates for the non-linear piezoelectric deformation characteristics, ensuring that the optical scanning angle changes linearly with time and achieving uniform scanning speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If resonance drive is used for horizontal scanning, then greater scanning angle is achieved with lower voltage, but flapping occurs in sub-scanning direction due to harmonic wave interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage requirementVSAvoidscanning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback control mechanism where the drive signal for horizontal scanning is adjusted based on the interaction between the resonance frequency and harmonic waves. By detecting the flapping phenomenon caused by frequency interference and providing feedback to the drive unit, the system can modify the drive signal to eliminate the harmful resonance interaction, thereby stabilizing the scanning motion while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables uniform image display by maintaining constant scanning speed and preventing image distortion, even when manufacturing errors occur, without the need for dedicated speed detection devices or complex signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed on the first beams and the second beams of the zig-zag beams, a voltage application unit to apply a first waveform voltage to the piezoelectric elements disposed on the first beams, and a second waveform voltage to the piezoelectric elements disposed on the second beams to flexibly deform the first beams and the second beams of the zig-zag beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2891917B1Optical deflection device, optical scanning apparatus, image display apparatus, and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2891917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2891917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2891917B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical deflection device (2) includes a pair of zig-zag beams (22a, 22b), each of the zig-zag beams (22a, 22b) including a plurality of first beams (A) and a plurality of second beams (B) arranged with a zig-zag pattern, a frame (21) to support the zig-zag beams (22a, 22b), a reflection mirror (26), supported by the zig-zag beams (22a, 22b), to deflect light, a plurality of piezoelectric elements (23) disposed on the first beams (A) and the second beams (B) of the zig-zag beams (22a, 22b), a voltage application unit (422) to apply a first waveform voltage to the piezoelectric elements (23) disposed on the first beams (A), and a second waveform voltage to the piezoelectric elements (23) disposed on the second beams (B) to flexibly deform the first beams (A) and the second beams (B) of the zig-zag beams (22a, 22b). The reflection mirror (26) is oscillate-able by the flexible deformation of the first beams (A) and the second beams (B). The voltage application unit (422) adjusts voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements (23) depending on piezoelectric constant of the piezoelectric elements (23) to set the oscillation of the reflection mirror (26) at a constant speed.