Segmented Mirror Assemblies for High-Speed 3D Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanning systems with rotating mirrors face challenges in packaging flexibility and manufacturing costs due to high rotational speeds and forces applied to components, limiting the design and cost-effectiveness of these systems.
Innovation Solution
The mirror assemblies are designed with a cylindrical body formed from two transparent portions with a reflective surface between them, allowing for secure installation and reduced costs, featuring mounting assemblies for engagement within the imaging device and enabling rotation of the reflective surface for efficient scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high speed rotation (6000 RPM) is used for scanning, then scanning efficiency is improved, but forces applied to mirror components increase, limiting packaging flexibility and increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into a mirror rotor and a mirror housing, allowing the mirror to be mounted on a rotor that can be independently balanced and supported by bearings within the housing. This segmentation enables the mirror to withstand high rotational speeds while isolating the forces to specific bearing support points, thereby maintaining scanning efficiency without compromising packaging flexibility or increasing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational speed parameter from typical low-speed operation to high-speed rotation (6000 RPM). By designing the mirror assembly specifically to handle this elevated parameter, the system achieves improved scanning efficiency. The mirror rotor and bearing configuration is optimized for this specific rotational speed, allowing the forces generated at this parameter level to be managed effectively through proper mechanical design rather than limiting the speed parameter.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mirror mounting is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but packaging flexibility is reduced and manufacturing costs increase due to high rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mirror assembly into a mirror rotor and mirror housing, the design allows for standardized, modular components that can be manufactured independently and assembled. The mirror rotor can be manufactured as a separate component with specific mounting features, while the housing provides standardized mounting interfaces. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly while significantly improving packaging flexibility, as the standardized interfaces allow the mirror assembly to be adapted to various device configurations and form factors.
3Productivity
If high speed rotation is implemented, then scanning productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to additional support and balancing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mirror mounting function with the rotor structure itself. The mirror is mounted directly on the mirror rotor, which integrates the mounting interface, rotational support, and balancing features into a single component. The bearing elements are integrated within the mirror housing to support the rotor. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to traditional designs, thereby supporting high scanning productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 design provides a robust and balanced mirror assembly that enhances packaging flexibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and supports efficient scanning operations by securely installing the mirror within the imaging device, enabling the use of multiple scanning types and wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror assemblies include a first portion having a first cut face and formed of a transparent material, a second portion having a second cut face and formed of the transparent material, wherein the second cut face is assembled to the first cut face form a main body, and at least one reflective surface positioned between the first and second cut faces.
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging devices and mirror assemblies for imaging devices are provided. The mirror assemblies include a first portion having a first cut face and formed of a transparent material, a second portion having a second cut face and formed of the transparent material, wherein the second cut face is assembled to the first cut face form a main body, and at least one reflective surface positioned between the first and second cut faces.