Shape-Memory Actuator for Precision Optical Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective adjustments of elements within tight tolerances, often requiring manual adjustments that are time-consuming, prone to errors, and limited by structural constraints, while also lacking real-time monitoring and high sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The use of shape-memory elements (SM elements) and actuators that utilize magnetic shape-memory materials to provide directed force effects, allowing for precise positioning and self-retention of optical elements, enabling adjustments with high accuracy and sensitivity, and the integration of sensors for real-time monitoring and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are used for positioning optical elements, then the system structure remains simple, but the adjustment precision and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuator system comprising shape-memory elements (SMA). The SMA elements convert electrical energy to mechanical displacement, enabling precise positioning of optical elements without manual intervention. This substitution resolves the contradiction by automating the adjustment process while maintaining system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes changes in physical parameters of the shape-memory alloy (temperature-induced phase transformation) to achieve precise positioning. By controlling the thermal state of the SMA elements, the system achieves high adjustment precision through material property changes rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
2Productivity
If traditional motors or piezo-drives are used for automated adjustment, then adjustment automation is achieved, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of automated positioning from complex motor or piezo-drive systems and implements it using simplified shape-memory element-based actuators. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while retaining the core functionality of automated, precise adjustment, thereby reducing actuator volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory elements function as flexible, thin actuators that can be integrated into compact optical assemblies. These elements provide the necessary mechanical displacement in a space-efficient manner compared to traditional motor or piezo-drive systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If tight manufacturing tolerances are imposed on optical elements, then adjustment precision improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system provides self-adjustment capability that compensates for variations in optical element manufacturing tolerances. The shape-memory elements can be precisely controlled to position optical elements accurately regardless of initial manufacturing variations, thereby relaxing tolerance requirements and reducing manufacturing costs.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional clamping units or brakes are added to maintain position, then position stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory elements inherently maintain the positioned state of optical elements through their material properties. Once the SMA elements are actuated to the desired position, they naturally hold the position without requiring additional clamping units or brakes, as the phase-transformed state provides inherent position stability.
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 solution enables precise, cost-effective, and space-efficient adjustments of optical elements with high accuracy and sensitivity, allowing for real-time monitoring and reduced manufacturing tolerances, and eliminates the need for additional clamping units or brakes, facilitating adjustments in complex optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first shape-memory element is connected to the element to be moved and embodied so as to be supported on the carrier such that a directed force effect is produced between the element to be moved and the carrier in the case of a change in the extent of the first shape-memory element
Implementation Method 2
the conductor is connected to at least one of the first and/or second SM elements in such a way that magnetic field lines guided in the conductor interact with the first and/or second SM element
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for adjusting an element to be moved in a beam path of an optical arrangement contains the element to be moved, a carrier and at least one SM element, the SM element being connected to the element to be moved and designed such that it is supported on the carrier, so that when the dimension of the SM element changes, a directed force effect is produced between the element to be moved and the carrier.