Radiation Steering Mechanism With Non-Orthogonal Mirror Axes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic radiation steering mechanisms for laser scanning and marking systems are bulky and cumbersome due to the need for orthogonally oriented mirrors, limiting their integration and flexibility in production systems.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism with non-orthogonal rotational axes and steering axes, decoupling the orientations of the optical elements' rotational axes from the steering axes, allowing for a compact and flexible design that can be installed coaxially with the laser beam, using an electromagnetic radiation manipulator to introduce a difference between the angles of the rotational and steering axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonally oriented mirrors are used to achieve perpendicular steering axes, then the electromagnetic radiation can be steered about a two-dimensional field of view, but the housing must be large enough to accommodate the orthogonally oriented mirrors and actuators, resulting in large, heavy and cumbersome mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by tilting the mirrors relative to the perpendicular plane. Instead of having mirrors oriented strictly orthogonally in two dimensions, the mirrors are angled at specific orientations (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the perpendicular plane, allowing the rotational axes to be non-orthogonal while still achieving perpendicular steering axes through the combined effect of rotation and tilt
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameters of the mirror orientations. Rather than using standard orthogonal orientations (0 and 90 degrees), the mirrors are oriented at specific angles (e.g., both at 45 degrees to the perpendicular plane) to decouple the rotational axis orientation from the steering axis orientation, enabling compact housing design while maintaining full two-dimensional steering capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonally oriented mirrors are used to achieve perpendicular steering axes, then the electromagnetic radiation can be steered about a two-dimensional field of view, but the housing must be large enough to accommodate the orthogonally oriented mirrors and actuators, resulting in cumbersome mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by tilting the mirrors relative to the perpendicular plane. Instead of having mirrors oriented strictly orthogonally in two dimensions, the mirrors are angled at specific orientations (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the perpendicular plane, allowing the rotational axes to be non-orthogonal while still achieving perpendicular steering axes through the combined effect of rotation and tilt
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameters of the mirror orientations. Rather than using standard orthogonal orientations (0 and 90 degrees), the mirrors are oriented at specific angles (e.g., both at 45 degrees to the perpendicular plane) to decouple the rotational axis orientation from the steering axis orientation, enabling compact housing design while maintaining full two-dimensional steering capability
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 the integration of laser scanning or marking systems into production lines with a compact, lightweight marking head, providing greater design freedom and flexibility, reducing the size and weight of the system while maintaining a full two-dimensional field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element having an associated first actuator configured to rotate the first optical element about a first rotational axis to change a first coordinate of a first steering axis
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element having an associated second actuator configured to rotate the second optical element about a second rotational axis to change a second coordinate of a second steering axis
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic radiation manipulator optically disposed between the first and second optical elements, wherein a first angle is defined between the first and second rotational axes, a second angle is defined between the first and second steering axes, and the electromagnetic radiation manipulator is configured to introduce a difference between the first angle and the second angle
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism An electromagnetic radiation steering mechanism configured to steer electromagnetic radiation to address a specific location within a two-dimensional field of view comprising a first optical element having an associated first actuator configured to rotate the first optical element about a first rotational axis to change a first coordinate of a first steering axis in the two-dimensional field of view, a second optical element having an associated second actuator configured to rotate the second optical element about a second rotational axis to change a second coordinate of a second steering axis in the two-dimensional field of view, and an electromagnetic radiation manipulator optically disposed between the first and second optical elements. A first angle is defined between the first and second rotational axes and a second angle is defined between the first and second steering axes. The electromagnetic radiation manipulator is configured to introduce a difference between the first angle and the second angle.