Oscillating Mirror Structure for Precise Light Reflection Direction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of light reflection direction in light reflection devices is compromised due to displacement of the oscillation axis during oscillation, leading to deviations in the intended reflecting direction.

Innovation Solution

A light reflecting device is designed with a mirror surface and a deflecting mechanism that oscillates the light reflective member, coupled with regulating members to manage the displacement of the oscillation axis, ensuring precise alignment and minimizing deviations in the reflecting direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the light reflective member is oscillated by the deflecting mechanism, then the light reflection direction can be changed, but the oscillation axis may be displaced in a direction intersecting the mirror surface, causing deviation from the prescribed reflecting direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflection direction controlVSAvoidreflecting direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A regulating member is introduced as an intermediary component between the oscillation mechanism and the light reflective member. This regulating member specifically constrains displacement in the direction intersecting the mirror surface, allowing the system to maintain both oscillation functionality and positional accuracy. The regulating member acts as a mediator that permits necessary motion while blocking harmful displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The constraint function is segmented from the oscillation function by introducing a separate regulating member. Instead of designing a complex single-component mechanism that tries to achieve both oscillation and precision, the system divides the functionality: the deflecting mechanism handles oscillation while the regulating member handles positional constraint, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the oscillation axis displacement is not regulated, then the device structure remains simple, but the accuracy of light reflection direction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidlight reflection direction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The regulating member serves as a minimal intermediary structure that adds only the necessary constraint function without significantly complicating the overall device. By placing a simple constraint mechanism at the critical location (where the oscillation axis intersects the mirror surface direction), the system achieves precision enhancement with minimal structural complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the regulating member abuts upon the light reflective member during oscillation, then displacement of the oscillation axis is regulated, but this may increase friction and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation axis position controlVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint function is extracted as a separate regulating member that can be independently optimized for low-friction contact. This separation allows the light reflective member to maintain its primary optical function while the regulating member is specifically designed for smooth constraint motion, potentially using specialized materials or surface treatments to minimize wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulating member is designed to provide gentle constraint forces that prevent excessive displacement before it can cause damage. By maintaining small, controlled contacts rather than allowing large excursions, the system prevents wear-related failures before they occur, cushioning the interaction between moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 the decrease in accuracy of light reflection direction, enhancing the precision of both sensor and lighting devices by maintaining the intended reflecting direction, thereby improving object detection and light distribution patterns.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240184096A1Light reflecting device, sensor device, and lighting device

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 KOITO MFG CO LTD

AI summary

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