Spherical Optical Orientation With Direct Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for spherical orientation of optical elements, such as laser beams, lack motorized control, are not computer-assisted, hinder precision and safety, and are not suitable for use with see-through optical elements due to mechanical complexity and friction issues, making them difficult to manufacture and prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A device using electromagnetic actuators with a serial kinematic chain, allowing independent rotation around two perpendicular axes, minimizing mechanical complexity and friction, and enabling precise, high-speed control of optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear actuators and mechanical joints are used to rotate the optical element, then the device can achieve rotation around two perpendicular axes, but static and dynamic friction and recoils occur at each rotation, causing non-negligible overall dimensions and inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (linear actuators and mechanical joints) with electromagnetic actuators that generate rotational motion directly through electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction, recoils, and wear associated with contact-based mechanical systems, while reducing overall device dimensions and inertia.
2Measurement precision
If rotary motors with transmission mechanisms are used, then positioning precision can be made very high, but the maximum speed reachable decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic actuators that directly generate rotational motion without mechanical transmission mechanisms. This eliminates the trade-off between precision and speed inherent in gear-based systems, as electromagnetic fields can be precisely controlled while maintaining high response speeds and eliminating mechanical inertia and friction.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical joints and linear actuators are used, then the device can provide controlled rotation, but precise and accurate laser position control becomes very difficult to achieve due to friction and mechanical clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transmission systems with electromagnetic actuators that directly control rotation. This eliminates friction and mechanical clearance that plague jointed mechanical systems, enabling precise laser position control through direct electromagnetic field control without the intermediate mechanical conversion steps that introduce errors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex orientation mechanisms with multiple mechanical components are used, then the device can achieve spherical orientation, but the device becomes difficult to manufacture and somewhat prone to wear and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation mechanisms with electromagnetic actuators that generate rotation through field interactions. This dramatically simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating precision mechanical components, bearings, and joints, while reducing wear and malfunction risks through contactless electromagnetic actuation.
5Extent of automation
If rotary motors are used, then the device can provide motorized control, but the rotating assemblies overlap with the trajectory of the incident light beam and are adapted to interact with the optical element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic actuators that generate rotational motion through electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical rotation. This allows the actuation mechanism to be positioned without overlapping the light beam trajectory, as the electromagnetic fields can penetrate or be positioned around the optical path without physical interference with the beam or optical elements.
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
The device achieves high precision and accuracy in laser position control, reduces overall dimensions, and facilitates easy manufacturing, suitable for computer-controlled laser scanning and microsurgical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Said mechanism comprises at least one first electromagnetic actuator arranged to rotate said first rotating assembly and at least one second electromagnetic actuator arranged to rotate said second rotating assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the spherical orientation of an optical element is provided comprising a support structure, the optical element having an optically useful surface adapted to interact with an incident light beam, a mechanism mounted on support structure and capable of rotating the optical element in space around a first and second rotation axis perpendicular to each other.The mechanism comprises a first rotating assembly around the first rotation axis and a second rotating assembly around the second rotation axis, which first rotating assembly has a through cavity defined around the first rotation axis, the through cavity being adapted to be crossed by the light beam and facing the optical element.The mechanism comprises at least a first electromagnetic actuator arranged to rotate the first rotating assembly and at least a second electromagnetic actuator arranged to rotate the second rotating assembly.