Scanning Mirror Balancing with Segmented Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning mirrors for laser scanning systems face challenges in cost-effective balancing methods that do not compromise mirror quality, often requiring complex and costly threading processes to achieve optimal inertia and flatness.
Innovation Solution
A scanning mirror design featuring multiple recesses on either side of the central axis, allowing for the accommodation of balancing masses at fixed, predefined distances, eliminating the need for complex thread systems and iterative balancing processes, thus enabling quick and cost-effective balancing while maintaining mirror surface flatness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are screwed into a thread of the scanning mirror to act as counterweight, then the scanning mirror can be balanced, but the manufacturing costs are considerably increased and the manufacturing process becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing mass is segmented into multiple discrete balancing elements (spheres or cylinders) that can be individually positioned in separate recesses on the rear side of the mirror body, rather than using a single integrated thread system with multiple screws
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing elements are extracted from the main mirror body structure and placed in separate recesses on the rear side, allowing independent positioning and adjustment without affecting the mirror surface quality or requiring threading into the mirror material itself
2Reliability
If multiple iterative steps are performed to determine the optimal distance of screws from the central axis, then the scanning mirror can be balanced, but the balancing method becomes highly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are pre-positioned at specific distances from the central axis during mirror manufacturing, eliminating the need for iterative adjustment steps. The balancing elements are then simply placed into the appropriate pre-defined recesses based on measured imbalance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured imbalance characteristics to directly determine which pre-positioned recesses should receive balancing elements, allowing the balancing process to be completed in a single step without requiring complex iterative calculations or multiple adjustment cycles
3Reliability
If large or unfavorably positioned recesses are made in the mirror body, then balancing mass can be added, but the flatness of the mirror surface can be adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The balancing mass is added in the third dimension (depth) by creating recesses on the rear side of the mirror body, rather than adding mass laterally or on the front surface. This allows balancing adjustment without affecting the critical front surface flatness required for optical performance
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning mirror for a laser scanning system includes a central axis, a mirror body, and a mirror surface on a front face of the mirror body. A first recess group is provided and includes a plurality of first recesses formed in the mirror body and arranged on a side of and spaced from the central axis as viewed from a back of the scanning mirror. A balancing mass is accommodated by the first recess group and includes at least one balancing body seated in at least one of the first recesses for balancing the scanning mirror. Each of the first recesses includes at least one radial stop against which the balancing body rests such that the balancing body is held in the first recess at a constant distance from the central axis. A method is also provided for balancing the scanning mirror.