Piezoelectric Rotary Optical Mount Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical mount systems are not suitable for miniature systems requiring ultraprecision and are hindered by complex structures, high costs, and intricate designs, particularly in using piezoelectric driven mechanisms for adjusting optical elements.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric rotary optical mount with a clamp that adjusts the coefficient of friction using a bias element actuated by a piezoelectric element, allowing for precise control of rotational movement of a hollow shaft accommodating optic devices, cables, or screws, through a mechanism that differentiates between kinetic and static friction levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rotary mounts use a drive screw to move a disk, then rotational movement is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traditional drive screw mechanism and replaces it with a piezoelectric actuator that directly couples to the hollow shaft. This removes the intermediate disk and drive screw components, simplifying the structure while maintaining rotational control capability through direct piezoelectric deformation of the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive screw and disk system with a piezoelectric actuation system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into mechanical deformation of the hollow shaft, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical transmission components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical mounts are designed for precision, then alignment accuracy improves, but the design becomes intricate and unsuitable for miniature systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical element mounting function with the rotational actuation function into a single integrated hollow shaft structure. The optical element is mounted directly on the piezoelectric actuator, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing design intricacy while maintaining precision alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the optical element is positioned within the hollow shaft, which itself is actuated by the piezoelectric element. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple functions into a compact configuration, reducing overall design complexity while preserving precision alignment and rotational control.
3Measurement precision
If a piezoelectric actuator is used to rotate adjustment screws, then precise motion control is achieved, but the system requires complex jaw-like clamps and threaded shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the adjustment screw, threaded shaft, and jaw-like clamp mechanisms from the system. Instead, it uses a hollow shaft that can be directly actuated by the piezoelectric element through radial deformation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining precise motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw and clamp system with a piezoelectric actuation system that directly deforms the hollow shaft radially. This substitution eliminates intermediate mechanical components and their associated complexity, achieving precise motion control through direct piezoelectric-to-mechanical coupling.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional slip/stick actuators use a small solid shaft, then actuation is simple, but an integrated optic cannot be used therewith
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hollow shaft structure that allows an optical element to be nested or integrated within the shaft itself. This maintains the simplicity of piezoelectric actuation while adding the versatility to accommodate and integrate optical components, solving the limitation of solid shaft designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow shaft design provides multi-functionality by serving both as the actuated mechanical component and as the structural element that accommodates the optical element. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, enhancing versatility without complicating the actuation mechanism.
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
Enables precise and efficient rotational control of optical components in miniature systems without the need for complex structures or high costs, ensuring ultraprecision and adaptability in various optical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element to actuate the bias element to apply the force
Implementation Method 2
a contact between the clamp and the hollow member generates a coefficient of friction; a bias element adjacent to the first hole to apply a force to control rotational movement of the hollow member by adjusting the coefficient of friction
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric rotary optical mount including a clamp including a first hole to hold a hollow member, wherein a contact between the clamp and the hollow member generates a coefficient of friction; a bias element adjacent to the first hole to apply a force to control rotational movement of the hollow member by adjusting the coefficient of friction; and a piezoelectric element to actuate the bias element to apply the force. The clamp may include a housing body including a first end and a second end, wherein the first hole extends in a first axis through the housing body to accommodate the hollow member; a pair of elongated cutout regions extending from the first hole towards the second end to define the bias element; and a second hole adjacent to at least one of the cutout regions to accommodate the piezoelectric element.