Optical Device Movable Unit with Rib and Frame Distortion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The optical device experiences distortion in the movable unit due to sectional forces from torsion support portions during movement, which deteriorates optical characteristics and requires improved reliability.

Innovation Solution

The optical device incorporates a movable unit with a main body portion surrounded by a frame portion and connection portions, featuring rib portions with specific thickness and width configurations to minimize the transmission of torsion support forces, ensuring balanced connection points and reduced distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple torsion support portions are connected to the movable unit, then the movable unit can be supported stably, but distortion occurs in the movable unit due to sectional forces during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of movable unitVSAvoiddistortion of movable unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The movable unit is divided into a main body portion and a frame portion that are separated by a predetermined interval. Connection portions link these two parts, creating a segmented structure that allows the frame to absorb sectional forces from torsion support portions without transmitting them to the main body, thus preventing distortion while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection portions act as intermediary elements between the main body portion and the frame portion. These connection portions are strategically designed with specific width constraints to transmit necessary mechanical support while filtering out detrimental sectional forces that would cause distortion to the main body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the width of connection portions is reduced to suppress distortion, then less sectional force is transmitted to the main body portion, but the connection strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion suppressionVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The width of connection portions is precisely controlled within a specific range (smaller than the distance to torsion support connection positions but larger than the interval between main body and frame). This parameter optimization allows the connection portions to be thin enough to suppress distortion while remaining strong enough to provide reliable mechanical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If rib portions are added to increase thickness at outer edges, then distortion is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion suppressionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rib portions are added only to the outer edge portions of the movable unit, not throughout the entire structure. This localized reinforcement increases thickness specifically where needed to suppress distortion, while keeping the central portion and overall structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively suppresses distortion in the movable unit, enhancing the reliability and stability of the optical device while maintaining optical performance.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of elastic support units that are connected between the base and the movable unit and supports the movable unit so that the movable unit is movable along a movement direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3650912B1Optical device
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3650912B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3650912B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3650912B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an optical device, a movable unit includes a main body portion, a frame portion that surrounds the main body portion with a predetermined interval from the main body portion, and a plurality of connection portions which connect the main body portion and the frame portion to each other. An outer edge portion of the main body portion includes a first rib portion that is formed so that the thickness of the outer edge portion is larger than the thickness of the central portion. The frame portion includes a second rib portion that is formed so that the thickness of the frame portion is larger than the thickness of the central portion. A width of each of the connection portions is larger than an interval between the main body portion and the frame portion, and is smaller than a distance from a connection position with each of the connection portions in the frame portion to any of a connection position with each of a pair of first torsion support portions and a connection position with each of a pair of second torsion support portions.