Periscope Prism Orientation via Shape Memory Alloy Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing periscope lens modules face imaging failures due to limited rotation angles of the rotating base, which can deviate when force is applied, causing misalignment and imaging issues.
Innovation Solution
A prism device with a supporting-restoring assembly and shape memory alloy wires connected between the bearing frame and the assembly, allowing the prism to rotate and correct its angle, featuring limiting grooves and arms for stability and a ball or magnet for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rotating base with limited rotation angle is used in the periscope lens module, then the structure is compact and simple, but the imaging angle is limited and imaging failure occurs when force deviates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed rotating base with a dynamic self-adjusting mechanism using shape memory alloy wires that can actively change the prism's angle in response to external forces, transforming the static limited-angle structure into a dynamic adaptive structure that maintains optimal imaging angles under varying conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the shape memory alloy wires through temperature or electrical stimulation, enabling them to transform from a relaxed state to a contracted state, thereby dynamically adjusting the prism's rotation angle to expand the imaging angle while maintaining structural simplicity
2Device complexity
If a rotating base with limited rotation angle is used in the periscope lens module, then the structure is compact and simple, but imaging failure occurs when force applied on the rotation driving assembly deviates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-correcting mechanism where the shape memory alloy wires automatically detect and counteract deviation forces through their shape memory effect, enabling the prism to self-adjust and return to the correct imaging angle without external intervention, thereby significantly improving imaging reliability while keeping the structure simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a feedback loop where the shape memory alloy wires continuously respond to force deviations acting on the prism, transforming mechanical stress into corrective action through their phase transformation properties, ensuring the prism maintains accurate alignment and preventing imaging failure
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory alloy wires are used to drive the prism rotation, then the imaging angle is expanded and imaging effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-component rotation driving assembly from the traditional periscope lens module and replaces it with a simplified shape memory alloy wire mechanism, removing unnecessary intermediate components while retaining the essential function of prism rotation and angle adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotation driving assembly with a smart material-based actuation system using shape memory alloy wires, substituting complex mechanical linkages, gears, and motors with a more compact and efficient material-driven deformation mechanism that directly controls prism positioning
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 solution provides a wider imaging angle and improved imaging effects by allowing the prism to automatically adjust its angle using shape memory alloy wires, preventing disengagement and ensuring accurate alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of shape memory alloy wires connected between the bearing frame and the supporting-restoring assembly and configured to drive the supporting-restoring assembly and the prism to rotate relative to the bearing frame
Implementation Method 2
Two opposite sides of the bearing frame are each provided with a plurality of limiting grooves, two opposite sides of the supporting-restoring assembly are each provided with a plurality of limiting arms, and the plurality of limiting arms is inserted into the plurality of limiting grooves in one-to-one correspondence; and each of the plurality of limiting arms and a corresponding limiting groove form a clearance fit in such a manner that the limiting arm is movable in the limiting groove
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a prism device applied to a periscope lens module. The prism device includes: a bearing frame; a supporting-restoring assembly; a prism; and shape memory alloy wires configured to drive the supporting-restoring assembly and the prism to rotate relative to the bearing frame. Two opposite sides of the bearing frame are each provided with limiting grooves, two opposite sides of the supporting-restoring assembly are each provided with limiting arms inserted into the limiting grooves in one-to-one correspondence; and each limiting arm and a corresponding limiting groove form a clearance fit in such a manner that the limiting arm is movable in the limiting groove. In the present invention, two opposite sides of the bearing frame are provided with limiting grooves, and limiting arms on the supporting-restoring assembly are inserted into the limiting grooves, thereby preventing the supporting-restoring assembly from escaping from the bearing frame during use.