Optical Lens Cleaning With Force-Controlled Voice Coil Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cleaning of optical device lenses can cause damage due to applied force and the presence of particles on cleaning implements.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with first and second cleaning elements positioned opposite each other, a sensor to output a force signal, and a controller to control the operation of the cleaning elements based on the force signal, ensuring a force below a threshold to avoid lens damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is performed on optical device lenses, then the lenses can be cleaned of dirt and smudges, but the lenses may be damaged due to applied force and particles on cleaning implements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated cleaning system that uses a cleaning element actuated by a voice coil motor. The cleaning element is positioned and actuated precisely to clean the lens surface without requiring manual application of force, thereby eliminating the risk of lens damage from improper manual cleaning techniques while maintaining effective cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to clean itself without requiring user intervention. The system automatically positions the cleaning element, actuates it to clean the lens, and retracts it, providing self-service cleaning that eliminates the need for users to manually handle cleaning implements that could damage the lenses
2Productivity
If a cleaning element is actuated to clean the lens, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but the cleaning element may deform the lens if excessive force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force sensor that detects the force applied by the cleaning element to the lens during actuation. The sensor provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts or terminates actuation when excessive force is detected, preventing lens deformation while maintaining effective cleaning. This closed-loop control ensures cleaning efficiency without compromising lens shape integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element is actuated dynamically with controlled force profiles. The voice coil motor actuates the cleaning element with precise control over the force applied, and the system can adjust the actuation characteristics in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing effective cleaning while preventing excessive force that could deform the lens
3Reliability
If automated cleaning with force control is implemented, then lens damage can be prevented, but the device complexity increases due to sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element serves multiple functions: it cleans the lens surface, provides tactile feedback through the force sensor, and its actuation is controlled by the voice coil motor. The force sensor also serves to protect the lens by detecting excessive force. By making the cleaning element and its actuation system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable lens protection
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 device effectively cleans optical device lenses without causing deformation or damage, ensuring the lenses remain intact and functional.
Implementation Method 1
A voice coil motor is configured to actuate the cleaning element toward the lens
Implementation Method 2
A force sensor is configured to detect a force applied by the cleaning element to the lens
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to limit actuation of the cleaning element in response to the force sensor output, thereby limiting deformation of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first cleaning element and a second cleaning element positioned opposite the first cleaning element. An optical device can be placed between the first cleaning element and the second cleaning element. A sensor is configured to output a force signal that represents a force applied by the first cleaning element, and a controller is operable to control operation of the first cleaning element based on the force signal.