Piezoelectric Mirror Component with Segmented Actuation for AR/VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser projectors for applications like AR/VR glasses require compact, cost-effective solutions with high image resolution and depth of field, but current technologies are limited by sensitivity to oscillations and inefficiencies in energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric mirror component with a mirror element, a piezoelectric drive ring, and a frame element, connected by torsion spring elements, which uses a patterned second electrode and a piezoelectric layer to achieve independent actuation regions for oscillatory motion, enabling Lissajous scanning with high resolution and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resonant frequency is increased to improve image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but sensitivity to oscillations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror component is segmented into a mirror element and a drive element that can be independently actuated. This allows the mirror element to operate at high resonant frequency for high image resolution while the drive element provides stable, low-frequency positioning control, thereby reducing sensitivity to oscillations during positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: high-speed resonant scanning of the mirror element for image rendering, and low-speed positioning of the drive element for stable mounting. This dynamic operation allows the system to achieve high image resolution when needed while minimizing oscillation sensitivity during positioning phases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compact design is achieved to improve adaptability for AR/VR applications, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror component is divided into separately manufacturable mirror element and drive element that are subsequently coupled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with appropriate precision using suitable processes, then assembled together to achieve the required compact dimensions for AR/VR applications without compromising overall manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror element is positioned within and coupled to the drive element, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach enables a compact overall design suitable for AR/VR applications while allowing each component to be manufactured separately with appropriate tolerances, thus maintaining manufacturing precision despite the compact final dimensions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If independent actuation regions are implemented to improve energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into independent actuation regions with separate actuators for the mirror element and drive element. This allows each region to be actuated only when needed, improving energy efficiency by avoiding simultaneous operation of all actuators, while the modular segmented architecture helps manage the inherent complexity through standardized component design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mirror component have different actuation characteristics - the mirror element requires high-frequency resonant actuation while the drive element requires low-frequency positioning actuation. By providing locally optimized actuation for each region rather than uniform actuation, energy efficiency is improved while the complexity is managed through clear functional differentiation of the actuation systems.
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 piezoelectric mirror component achieves high image resolution and compact design, reducing sensitivity to oscillations and improving energy efficiency through independent actuation regions and torsional oscillations, suitable for AR/VR applications.
Implementation Method 1
At least on the drive ring a piezoelectric layer is applied, which is arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode
Implementation Method 2
The drive ring is connected to the mirror element via at least one first torsion spring element. The frame element is connected to the drive ring via at least a second torsion spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric mirror component including a mirror element, a piezoelectric drive ring which surrounds the mirror element and is connected to the mirror element by way of at least one first torsion spring element, and a frame element connected to the drive ring via at least one second torsion spring element is specified, wherein the drive ring has a first diameter in a first direction and a second diameter in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. A method for operating the piezoelectric mirror component and a projection apparatus are also specified.