Optical Scanner Link Sections Bending for Multi-Axis Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanners, such as those with a torsion oscillator, are limited in their ability to move the central axis of the scan mirror and cannot displace it in the thickness direction, restricting their driving patterns and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner design featuring a movable section with link sections that can bend in the thickness direction, allowing for multiple driving patterns by using a displacement providing section to turn and deform the link sections, enabling movement in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed central axis structure is used, then the optical scanner has a simple structure, but it cannot displace the central axis in the thickness direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the link sections flexible rather than rigid. The link sections can bend in the thickness direction of the movable section, allowing the central axis to be displaced dynamically. This enables multiple driving patterns (turning about different axes, vibrating) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring complex mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible link sections that can bend in the thickness direction. These link sections act as flexible elements connecting the movable section to the supporting section, enabling displacement of the central axis through bending deformation. This flexible design allows the optical scanner to achieve versatile driving patterns without adding significant structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scan mirror is fixed to a single turn central axis, then the structure is stable, but the optical scanner cannot move the central axis arbitrarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the link sections dynamic and flexible. The link sections can bend to displace the central axis when needed for different driving patterns, yet maintain stable connection between the movable section and supporting section. This allows the scan mirror to achieve arbitrary axis displacement while maintaining structural stability through the controlled flexibility of the link sections.
3Ease of operation
If only one driving pattern is provided, then the structure is simple, but the optical scanner is less convenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the link sections to perform multiple functions. The same flexible link sections enable various driving patterns including turning about the Y-axis, turning about the X-axis, and vibrating movements. This multi-functionality is achieved without adding separate driving mechanisms for each pattern, thus improving convenience while avoiding excessive device complexity.
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 design allows for a more versatile and convenient optical scanner that can be driven in multiple patterns, including turning and vibrating, with improved stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a coil generating a magnetic field acting on the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 2
the shaft section of each link section can bend in a thickness direction of the movable section in a midpoint of the shaft section in a longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner includes: a light reflecting section having light reflectivity; a movable section which includes the light reflecting section and can be displaced; two link sections connected to positions of ends of the movable section, the positions facing each other; a supporting section supporting the link sections; and a displacement providing section turning the two link sections, wherein each link section includes a turnable drive section, and a shaft section connecting the movable section and the drive section and bending in a thickness direction of the movable section by turning of the drive section.