Optical Scanner Regulating Member Suppresses Shaft Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical scanners face challenges in manufacturing due to variations in processing times for different parts, leading to excessive etching of the mirror and torsion bar, and potential breakage from collisions, as the impact relaxation part requires longer etching times, while the mirror and torsion bar require shorter times.

Innovation Solution

The optical scanner design includes a movable part with a light reflection portion, a shaft part, a support part with a recessed portion and side surface opening, and a regulating member that projects between the support and movable parts, allowing for easier regulation of displacement and reducing breakage by controlling excessive deformation of the shaft parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the silicon substrate is patterned by etching to form the impact relaxation part with higher accuracy, then the impact relaxation part is formed with higher precision, but the mirror part and torsion bar are excessively etched, becoming smaller and thinner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact relaxation part formation accuracyVSAvoidmirror part and torsion bar strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the impact relaxation part into multiple segments (first impact relaxation part and second impact relaxation part) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows different etching conditions to be applied to different regions, enabling the mirror and torsion bar to be formed with appropriate thickness while still achieving effective impact relaxation through the distributed segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating impact relaxation parts with specific properties at specific locations where impact forces are most likely to occur. The etching is localized to form these impact relaxation parts without uniformly etching the entire substrate, thus preserving the strength of the mirror and torsion bar while providing impact protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the etching time is extended to form the impact relaxation part, then the impact relaxation part is properly formed, but the mirror part becomes smaller and the torsion bar becomes thinner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact relaxation part formationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the impact relaxation part into multiple smaller features distributed across the substrate, the patent enables the use of shorter etching times. The segmented structure achieves effective impact relaxation without requiring the extended etching time that would be needed for a single large impact relaxation feature, thus improving manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by forming impact relaxation parts only at specific critical locations rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This partial etching approach achieves sufficient impact protection at key areas while avoiding excessive etching time and material removal from non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the space between the mirror part and impact relaxation part is reduced, then the impact relaxation effectiveness is improved, but the etching opening size varies, making manufacturing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact relaxation effectivenessVSAvoidetching process difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the impact relaxation part into multiple smaller features positioned at different locations around the mirror and torsion bar. This segmentation allows each segment to be formed with adequate spacing from critical components, maintaining etching processability while collectively providing effective impact relaxation through the distributed segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the segmented impact relaxation parts, placing them at specific locations where impact forces are most likely to occur rather than uniformly distributing them. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes impact relaxation effectiveness while maintaining manufacturability, as each asymmetrically positioned segment can be etched with appropriate clearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10222610B2Optical scanner, image display device, and head mounted display
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US10222610B2 patent drawing
  • US10222610B2 patent drawing
  • US10222610B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical scanner includes: a movable part including a light reflection portion that reflects light; a first shaft part that swingably supports the movable part about a first axis; a support part that supports the first shaft part; a recessed portion provided in the support part, and having an opening portion in one surface of the support part and having a side surface opening portion in a side surface of the support part connected to the one surface of the support part; and a regulating member provided in the recessed portion and partially projecting from the side surface opening portion with the projecting portion located between the support part and the movable part.