Slanted-Pole Actuator for Dual-Axis Optical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanners face challenges in downsizing and cost reduction due to the configuration of permanent magnets and driving coils, which hinder their application in compact image forming devices.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system comprising a first oscillatory system, a second oscillatory system, and a driving unit, where a permanent magnet is positioned with its poles slanted relative to the X and Y axes, and a coil is placed to face the magnet, allowing the movable plate to rotate around both axes with alternating voltages applied to achieve efficient scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pair of permanent magnets is provided facing each other with the scanner main body therebetween, then the driving force for rotation is sufficient, but the device size increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple permanent magnets into a single permanent magnet by providing it with a slanted pole configuration. This single magnet replaces the conventional pair of facing magnets, reducing the number of magnetic components while maintaining sufficient driving force through the optimized magnetic field distribution created by the slanted poles.
Solution Approach 2:
The single permanent magnet with slanted poles performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the magnetic field for both X-axis rotation (through interaction with the first driving coil) and Y-axis rotation (through interaction with the second driving coil). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate magnet pairs for each rotational axis.
2Ease of operation
If driving coils are respectively provided on the outer movable plate and inner movable plate, then precise dual-axis control is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple driving coils into a single driving coil structure. This single coil generates magnetic fields that interact with the slanted poles of the permanent magnet to control both X-axis and Y-axis rotations, thereby reducing the number of coil assemblies while maintaining dual-axis control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slanted permanent magnet creates non-uniform magnetic field distribution in different spatial regions, allowing the single driving coil to exert different magnetic forces on different portions of the magnet. This enables independent control of X-axis and Y-axis rotations through a single coil by utilizing the spatial variation in magnetic field interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple permanent magnets and driving coils are used for dual-axis rotation, then rotational capability is sufficient, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the total number of magnetic components and electromagnetic components by merging multiple magnets into one slanted-pole magnet and multiple coils into one driving coil. This consolidation directly reduces material costs, assembly costs, and manufacturing complexity while preserving the dual-axis rotational 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
This configuration enables the actuator to rotate the movable plate around both axes efficiently, achieving downsizing and cost reduction while enabling two-dimensional light scanning, suitable for image forming devices like laser printers and scanners.
Implementation Method 1
The driving unit includes a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided so as to face the permanent magnet, and a voltage applying unit that applies a voltage to the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes: a first oscillatory system including a frame-shaped driving member and a pair of first axial members holding the driving member from both ends so as to allow the driving member to rotate around an X-axis; a second oscillatory system including a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axial members holding the movable plate to the driving member from both ends so as to allow the movable plate to rotate around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X axis; and a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided so as to face the permanent magnet, and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage to the coil. The permanent magnet is provided such that a line segment connecting both poles is slanted with respect to each of the X-axis and the Y-axis, in a plan view of the movable plate. The voltage applying unit includes a voltage generating section that generates a first alternating voltage and a second alternating voltage each of which having a frequency different from each other, and a voltage superimposing section that superimposes the first voltage and the second voltage, and the movable plate is rotated around the Y-axis at a frequency of the second voltage while being rotated around the X axis at a frequency of the first voltage by applying the voltage superimposed by the voltage superimposing section to the coil.