Optical Element Driving Mechanism for Compact 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D sensing technologies face challenges in improving efficiency and miniaturization, particularly in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and optical sensing systems.
Innovation Solution
A driving mechanism that includes a spring sheet with fixed ends, deformable portions, and a stage for carrying an optical element, which is driven to rotate by a magnetic force generated by coils and magnets, allowing for efficient depth sensing or 3D scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional LiDAR and optical sensing technologies are used, then 3D sensing functionality is achieved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, optical elements, and detection components into a single integrated optical sensing system. The movable portion carries both the light emitter and light receiver together with optical elements on a common platform, eliminating the need for separate LiDAR and optical sensing devices, thus reducing overall device size and complexity while maintaining 3D sensing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements on the movable portion serve multiple functions: they guide light from the emitter, reflect light toward the object, and direct reflected light to the receiver. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall system structure
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical sensing systems are used, then sensing functionality is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical sensing system into a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion containing light emitter, light receiver, and optical elements can be manufactured and tested independently, then integrated with the fixed portion. This modular segmentation enables standardized mass production of sub-assemblies, reducing production costs while maintaining sensing reliability through independent quality control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a spring sheet with specific elastic properties to support the movable portion, allowing controlled rotation within a specific angle range. By optimizing the elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the spring sheet, the system achieves reliable sensing performance while enabling cost-effective manufacturing through precise parameter control rather than complex mechanical structures
3Productivity
If optical elements are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but sensing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical elements dynamic by mounting them on a movable portion that can rotate relative to the fixed portion. This rotation allows the optical elements to dynamically adjust their orientation for different sensing angles and positions, significantly improving sensing efficiency and coverage area without requiring multiple fixed optical assemblies for different positions
Solution Approach 2:
The spring sheet serves as an intermediary element that enables controlled rotation of the movable portion carrying the optical elements. It provides the necessary mechanical compliance and restoring force, allowing the optical elements to move to optimal positions for sensing while maintaining a simple overall structure without complex actuators or mechanisms
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 driving mechanism enables rapid and precise rotation of optical elements, enhancing the efficiency and miniaturization of 3D sensing and optical sensing systems, while reducing production costs and dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force generated by coils and magnets, allowing for efficient depth sensing or 3D scanning
Data Source
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AI summary
Chinese A driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed part, a movable part, a driving assembly, and a positioning structure. The movable part is used for holding an optical element and is connected to the fixed part. The driving assembly is configured to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The positioning structure is formed on the movable part or the fixed part for positioning the optical element or at least one part of the driving assembly. English A driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed part, a movable part for holding an optical element, a driving assembly, and a positioning structure. The movable part is connected to the fixed part. The driving assembly is configured to drive the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The positioning structure is formed on the movable part or the fixed part for positioning the optical element or at least one part of the driving assembly. Designated representative figure Fig. 25 Brief description for the numerals in the representative figure bent portion T opening T0 pillar T1 space T11 protrusion T2