Oscillating Mirror Structure for Stable Light Reflection Direction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of light reflection direction in existing light reflecting devices is compromised due to displacement of the oscillation axis intersecting the mirror surface during oscillation of the light reflective member.

Innovation Solution

A light reflecting device is configured with regulating members that abut upon the light reflective member to control the displacement of the oscillation axis, reducing contact area through geometric patterns and applying ultrasonic vibration to prevent electrostatic attraction, thereby maintaining accurate light reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the light reflective member oscillates to change light reflection direction, then the light can be directed to different areas for sensing or lighting, but the oscillation causes displacement of the oscillation axis intersecting the mirror surface, resulting in deviation from the prescribed light reflection direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidlight reflection direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A regulating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the light reflective member and the oscillation mechanism. This regulating member abuts upon the light reflective member to constrain the oscillation axis displacement in the direction intersecting the mirror surface, thereby mediating between the oscillation motion and the light reflection accuracy requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the oscillation system by regulating the displacement of the oscillation axis through the regulating member. By controlling the oscillation axis displacement parameter, the system maintains accurate light reflection direction while preserving the oscillation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the regulating member abuts upon the light reflective member to control oscillation axis displacement, then the light reflection direction accuracy is improved, but electrostatic attraction may occur between the regulating member and the light reflective member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflection direction accuracyVSAvoidelectrostatic attraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Ultrasonic vibration is applied to the regulating member or the light reflective member to prevent electrostatic attraction between these components. The high-frequency mechanical vibration disrupts the formation of electrostatic charges and prevents adhesion, allowing the regulating member to maintain close proximity for precision control without harmful electrostatic effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful electrostatic attraction into a non-issue by using ultrasonic vibration to actively prevent charge accumulation. The close proximity required for precise regulation, which would normally generate harmful electrostatic forces, becomes beneficial because the vibration mechanism eliminates the harm while maintaining the precision advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 suppresses deviations in light reflection direction, enhancing the accuracy of object detection in sensor devices and light distribution in lighting devices by stabilizing the oscillation axis.

Implementation Method 1

a light reflective member (11) having a mirror surface (111) for reflecting light (L)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a deflecting mechanism (12) configured to oscillate the light reflective member (11) about an oscillation axis (A)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 3

a first regulating member (131) facing a portion of the light reflective member (11) including the oscillation axis (A) with a gap therebetween in a direction intersecting with the mirror surface (111), and configured to regulate displacement of the oscillation axis (A) in the direction intersecting with the mirror surface (111)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

applying ultrasonic vibration to prevent electrostatic attraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4310574B1Light reflecting device, sensor device, and lighting device

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KOITO MFG CO LTD

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AI summary

A light reflective member (11) has a mirror surface (111) adapted to reflect light. A deflecting mechanism (12) is configured to oscillate the light reflective member (11) about an oscillation axis (A) extending in a direction along the mirror surface (111). A first regulating member (131) faces a portion of the light reflective member (11) including the oscillation axis (A) with a gap therebetween in a direction intersecting with the mirror surface (111), and is configured to regulate displacement of the oscillation axis (A) in the direction intersecting with the mirror surface (111).