Rolling Micro-Mirror Surface Eliminates Sticking and Power Usage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) face issues with high power usage and mirror sticking due to the need for strong forces to tilt micro-mirrors in free space, which can reduce performance and require high voltages to unstick them from stops or spring tips.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital micro-mirror device with elements having cycloid-shaped surfaces that roll on their edges, utilizing a difference in voltages applied to first and second electrodes to selectively reflect light, reducing the need for strong forces and eliminating the risk of sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micro-mirrors are tilted in free space using strong forces from electrodes, then the micro-mirrors can be positioned to reflect light, but power usage increases and mirrors may stick to stops or spring tips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional free-space tilting mechanism with a rolling mechanism where the micro-mirror surface rolls on its edge along a cycloid path. This substitution eliminates the need for strong electrostatic forces and mechanical stops, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing mirror sticking while maintaining the light reflection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cycloid-shaped surface geometry for the micro-mirror. This curved surface allows the mirror to roll smoothly on its edge during operation, converting the linear tilting motion into a rolling motion that reduces contact forces and eliminates sticking issues with conventional flat mirrors and stops.
2Ease of manufacture
If strong forces are applied to tilt micro-mirrors in free space, then light reflection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to need for stops and spring tips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stops and spring tips from the micro-mirror device structure. By eliminating these components, the design simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces structural complexity while the rolling mechanism on the cycloid surface maintains the necessary light reflection functionality without requiring mechanical constraints.
3Reliability
If conventional tilting mechanism is used, then light can be directed to display portions, but contact forces cause mirrors to stick reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tilting system that relies on contact forces with stops and springs with a rolling system where the micro-mirror surface rolls on its edge. This substitution minimizes contact forces throughout the operation cycle, preventing sticking and maintaining consistent performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling motion of the cycloid surface creates a periodic contact pattern with the substrate, where contact occurs only at discrete points during the rolling cycle rather than continuous contact. This periodic action reduces average contact forces and prevents the sustained friction that causes sticking in conventional 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
This approach decreases power usage, reduces mirror sticking, and simplifies manufacturing by minimizing contact forces and eliminating the need for spring tips, allowing for more efficient and reliable light reflection.
Implementation Method 1
each element including a first electrode and a second electrode located beneath the surface wherein the first electrode is operable to receive a first voltage and wherein the second electrode is operable to receive a second voltage and wherein each surface is caused to roll on the edge by the difference between the first voltage and second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention a method of reflecting light is disclosed including providing an element having a surface having an edge on which the element is capable of rolling and selectively reflecting light by rolling the surface such that a reflective element associated with the surface selectively reflects light to a desired location.