Periscope Prism Rotation via Shape Memory Alloy Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing periscope lens modules face challenges in miniaturization due to complex structures required for prism rotation, which affects imaging quality and stability.

Innovation Solution

A prism device with a simple structure utilizing shape memory alloy wires connected between a bearing frame and a supporting-restoring assembly, allowing the prism to rotate about two perpendicular axes, stabilized by a ball and magnet system, and an elastic supporting member, enabling wider imaging angles and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex structure is used for prism rotation, then the prism can rotate to achieve automatic anti-shake, but the device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic anti-shake functionVSAvoidprism device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the prism rotation mechanism and anti-shake function into a single integrated structure. The prism is directly mounted on the supporting-restoring assembly that rotates about the second rotation center axis, merging the optical element with the stabilization mechanism to eliminate separate components and reduce overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting-restoring assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the prism, enables rotation about the second rotation center axis for anti-shake, and provides the restoring force through elastic components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, achieving miniaturization while maintaining anti-shake capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the prism device is miniaturized, then the periscope lens module size is reduced, but the structure becomes simpler and may compromise stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprism device sizeVSAvoidprism rotation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter by using shape memory alloy for the first and second wires, which provides superelasticity and high strength. This material property change allows the miniaturized structure to maintain sufficient stability and restoring force despite the reduced size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material design by combining shape memory alloy wires with elastic supporting members and magnetic components. This composite approach creates a miniaturized structure with enhanced mechanical properties, ensuring stability is maintained despite the reduced overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If shape memory alloy wires are used to drive prism rotation, then the structure is simplified, but the control mechanism becomes less conventional

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation drive structureVSAvoidshape memory alloy wire control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical drive mechanisms (motors, gears, linkages) with a field-based control system. Shape memory alloy wires are actuated by electrical current or thermal stimulus, substituting complex mechanical transmission with a more compact electromechanical or thermomechanical actuation system that simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 achieves miniaturization of the prism device while maintaining stability and improving imaging quality by allowing the prism to rotate smoothly about two perpendicular axes, enhancing the overall performance of the periscope lens module.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the magnet is received in the mounting groove for attracting and locating the ball and the supporting-restoring assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11487100B2Prism device applied to periscope lens module and periscope lens module

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 AAC OPTICS SOLUTIONS PTE LTD

AI summary

Provided is a prism device applied to a periscope lens module, including a bearing frame, a supporting-restoring assembly, a prism, and shape memory alloy wires. The shape memory alloy wires include first to fourth shape memory alloy wires. The first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire are configured to drive the supporting-restoring assembly to drive the prism to rotate about a first rotation center axis. The third shape memory alloy wire and the fourth shape memory alloy wire are used to drive the supporting-restoring assembly to drive the prism to rotate about a second rotation center axis. The first rotation center axis is perpendicular to the second rotation center axis. The solutions of the present invention enable the prism to rotate towards two central axes that are perpendicular to each other, and has high stability and a simple structure, thereby achieving miniaturization.