Compact Picomotor Mount with Nested Drive Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable optical mounts are bulky and inefficient, with components extending beyond the perimeter during operation, making them unsuitable for confined spaces, and they lack durability for extended use.
Innovation Solution
A compact adjustable mount design featuring a base with a fixed stage for linear translation, an elongate threaded drive shaft within the base perimeter, and an inertia drive motor, which includes a piezoelectric element for precise and durable operation without protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a piezoelectric drive motor and drive screw are used to enable adjustable mount operation, then the mount can provide precise linear displacement adjustment, but the drive components extend beyond the outer perimeter of the plates making the mount bulky and unsuitable for confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The drive screw is positioned within a recess in the base plate, nesting the drive mechanism within the footprint of the mount rather than extending outward. The drive motor is also positioned within the base plate, with its drive shaft extending into the recess to engage the drive screw, maintaining a compact overall profile suitable for confined spaces while preserving adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is arranged vertically within the base plate thickness rather than extending horizontally outward. The recess provides vertical clearance for the drive screw and motor shaft, allowing the adjustment mechanism to fit within the z-dimension of the base plate while maintaining a small x-y footprint
2Productivity
If the moment of inertia is increased to efficiently operate the piezoelectric drive motor, then the motor operates more efficiently, but the mount device becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
High-density material is used specifically for the end cap attached to the drive screw, concentrating the moment of inertia where needed for motor efficiency without increasing the overall mount volume. The end cap acts as a localized inertia element that provides the required rotational mass for efficient piezoelectric motor operation while keeping the rest of the mount compact
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap is made from high-density material such as tungsten or depleted uranium, using composite material properties to achieve high moment of inertia in a small volume. This allows the mount to have both compact dimensions and sufficient rotational inertia for efficient motor operation
3Ease of operation
If traditional adjustable mount components are used, then the mount can provide adjustment functionality, but the outer surfaces of components become worn over time reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The interface between the drive motor and drive screw uses magnetic coupling rather than direct mechanical contact. The drive motor generates a magnetic field that couples with a magnet on the drive screw, eliminating mechanical wear from gear teeth or belt contacts while maintaining precise rotational transmission for adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system requires no lubrication or maintenance, with the magnetic field automatically transmitting torque without degrading components. The system is self-sustaining with no moving parts that wear, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining smooth adjustment operation
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 enables precise and repeatable adjustment of optical components within confined spaces, maintaining compactness and durability, ensuring efficient operation over time.
Implementation Method 1
an inertia drive motor, which includes a piezoelectric element for precise and durable operation
Implementation Method 2
an elongate threaded drive shaft that has a longitudinal axis, a threaded length having a threaded outer surface with at least one thread groove concentrically disposed about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
An inertia drive motor may be disposed within the base and include a first contact surface and a second contact surface... At least one disk shaped end cap may be secured in fixed relation to an end of the threaded drive shaft... include a moment of inertia sufficient for efficient operation of the inertial drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable compact mount that may include an integrated configuration that is suitable for use in confined spaces. Some adjustable compact mount embodiments may include a threaded drive screw that is completely disposed within an outer perimeter of the base during use. End caps of high density material may be used to facilitate the compactness of certain embodiments while enabling efficient use of piezoelectric type drive motors for the adjustable compact mounts. Certain coatings may be used on components of some embodiments in order to increase durability.