Shape Memory Alloy Wire Pinching Prevention in Optical Component Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical component driving apparatuses face challenges in preventing shape memory alloy wires from being pinched between the base member and the cover member during assembly, which can lead to mechanical failures and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
The optical component driving apparatus includes a base member, an optical component holding member, a cover member with upper outer peripheral wall parts, and shape memory alloy wires arranged inside these wall parts. The wires are fixed to both the base and optical component holding members, ensuring they are not pinched during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shape memory alloy wire is arranged inside the upper outer peripheral wall part during assembly, then the wire can be properly positioned and fixed, but there is a risk that the wire will be pinched between the cover member and the base member
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the shape memory alloy wire and the housing walls. This guide structure includes a guide hole that receives the wire and guide grooves that direct the wire's path, preventing the wire from being pinched during assembly while ensuring proper positioning and fixation of the wire within the upper outer peripheral wall part.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shape memory alloy wire is kept loose when no current flows, then the wire can flexibly move to drive the optical component, but the wire may be caught between the cover member and the base member during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure serves as a mediator that accommodates the loose state of the shape memory alloy wire during assembly. The guide hole and guide grooves provide a defined path that allows the flexible wire to be properly positioned without being caught between components, enabling both wire flexibility and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is pre-formed in the housing before assembly, creating a predetermined path for the shape memory alloy wire. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the wire is installed in its loose state, it automatically follows the correct path and is properly positioned, eliminating assembly difficulties.
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 effectively prevents the shape memory alloy wires from being pinched between the base member and the cover member, enhancing the mechanical reliability and durability of the optical component driving apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of shape memory alloy wires arranged inside the upper outer peripheral wall part, an end of each of which being fixed to a fixed member including the base member, another end of each of which being fixed to a movable member including the optical component holding member, and each of which being configured to move the optical component holding member with respect to the base member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical component driving apparatus includes a base member, an optical component holding member, a cover member having a top plate facing the base member in the vertical direction, with the optical component holding member interposed therebetween, the cover member having an upper outer peripheral wall part including upper lateral plates extending downward from an outer edge of the top plate, and shape memory alloy wires, wherein the fixed member includes a case member with an open top configured to house the base member, wherein the case member has a bottom plate arranged at a bottom of the base member and a lower outer peripheral wall part including lower lateral plates extending upward from an outer edge of the bottom plate, and wherein the lower lateral plates are positioned between the shape memory alloy wires and the upper lateral plates constituting the upper outer peripheral wall part.