Optical Module Mirror Rotation via Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in maintaining beam alignment due to mechanical vibrations, particularly when using piezoelectric drivers, which have limited driving force and displacement, making it difficult to efficiently vibrate larger mirrors without inducing poor beam alignment and requiring frequent realignment.
Innovation Solution
An optical module that contactlessly rotates a mirror using a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets to generate sufficient driving force, allowing for the vibration of light beams with minimal vibration sensitivity, employing a guiding structure to control mechanical vibrations and maintain precise rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a piezoelectric body is used to vibrate the mirror, then the mirror can be vibrated, but the driving force and displacement are limited to only hundreds of μm
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is divided into multiple piezoelectric bodies (first, second, third piezoelectric bodies) arranged at different locations on the mirror holder. Each piezoelectric body independently vibrates in a specific direction, and their combined effect produces large-displacement vibration of the mirror in the target direction, overcoming the limitation of individual piezoelectric displacement range.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple piezoelectric bodies are combined to work together, merging their individual vibration effects to achieve cumulative displacement. The first piezoelectric body vibrates in the first direction, the second in the second direction, and the third in the third direction, with their combined action producing the desired large displacement in the fourth direction.
2Productivity
If mechanical vibration is applied to the mirror, then the light beam can be vibrated, but beam alignment deteriorates due to vibration sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration selectively to specific locations on the mirror holder using multiple piezoelectric bodies positioned at different locations. Each piezoelectric body vibrates the mirror locally in a specific direction, allowing precise control of the vibration pattern while maintaining overall beam alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic control of multiple piezoelectric bodies to achieve the desired beam vibration pattern. By independently controlling the vibration of each piezoelectric body in different directions and phases, the system dynamically adjusts the mirror's vibration to produce the required beam movement while maintaining alignment precision.
3Area of stationary object
If the mirror size increases, then the optical performance improves, but the weight increases requiring stronger driving force
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit uses multiple piezoelectric bodies distributed across the mirror holder to collectively generate the driving force needed for large mirrors. Each piezoelectric body contributes to the total force, and their combined effect provides sufficient driving capability for heavier, larger-area mirrors without requiring a single overly powerful actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions piezoelectric bodies strategically on the mirror holder to counterbalance the weight and inertia of large mirrors. The distributed arrangement of multiple piezoelectric bodies provides counteracting forces that facilitate the acceleration and deceleration of heavy mirrors, effectively managing the increased mass through balanced force distribution.
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 optical module provides stable and efficient vibration of light beams with reduced sensitivity to external vibrations, enabling precise beam alignment and operation even with heavier mirror units, achieving high-speed rotation and large displacement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The second actuator may include a first electromagnet array over a first side of the first actuator, and the third actuator may include a second electromagnet array over a second side of the first actuator
Implementation Method 2
The first actuator may include a first permanent magnet array facing the first electromagnet array, and a second permanent magnet array facing the second electromagnet array. The mirror unit may be configured to rotate about the rotation axis due magnetic attraction and magnetic repulsion between the first electromagnet array and the first permanent magnet array and between the second electromagnet array and the second permanent magnet array
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a mirror unit including a mirror holder and a mirror on the mirror holder, the mirror holding including a first plate; a center guide supporting the mirror unit; and an actuator configured to rotate the mirror unit about a rotation axis. The actuator includes a first actuator at the first plate and second and third actuators at second and third plates, respectively, and spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and the first actuator is configured to be acted upon by the second and third actuators to rotate the mirror unit about the rotation axis.