Tiltable Mirror Device with Longitudinal Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tiltable mirror devices are often bulky and energy-intensive, making them unsuitable for applications where space and energy efficiency are critical, such as in applications requiring small tilt angles.
Innovation Solution
A compact tiltable mirror device is designed with a unique actuator assembly arrangement, where the actuator components are positioned entirely within an actuation space extending away from the reflective layer on one side, allowing for efficient energy use and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the actuator assembly is arranged laterally shifted along the axis of rotation with respect to the substrate, then large tilt angles and full rotation are achieved, but the device becomes bulky and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is repositioned from a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to optical axis) to a longitudinal arrangement (along the optical axis direction), utilizing the depth dimension behind the reflective layer. This dimensional shift allows the actuator to generate sufficient torque for large tilt angles while maintaining a compact footprint in the lateral directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is nested within the housing structure, with its components (coil portion and magnetic assembly) arranged in series along the optical axis. The coil portion is positioned at a first location and the magnetic assembly at a second location along the axis, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes the use of available space while achieving the required actuation range.
2Length of moving object
If the actuator assembly is arranged laterally shifted along the axis of rotation, then large tilt angles are achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is pre-positioned at a specific location along the optical axis to create an optimized magnetic field distribution. This preliminary arrangement of magnetic components allows the coil to generate the required Lorentz force more efficiently, reducing the electrical energy needed to achieve large tilt angles compared to conventional lateral arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameters of the actuator assembly by repositioning components along the optical axis rather than laterally. This parameter change in the arrangement configuration optimizes the magnetic field interaction between the coil and magnetic assembly, improving energy efficiency while maintaining the capability for large tilt angle operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator assembly is completely arranged in an actuation space extending from the reflective layer on one side, then the device becomes compact and robust, but the tilt angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is designed to provide rotational mounting of the tiltable portion around the optical axis, enabling dynamic rotation within the compact actuation space. This dynamic rotational mechanism allows the system to achieve a practical tilt angle range (sufficient for most applications) while maintaining the compact longitudinal arrangement of the actuator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides compact packaging, enables robust mechanical connection between components, and achieves sufficient tilt angle control for most applications. The longitudinal arrangement along the optical axis creates a multi-functional design that simultaneously addresses compactness, mechanical stability, and actuation 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
The device achieves a compact and robust design with reduced energy consumption, enabling precise control over small tilt angles while minimizing spatial requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the components of the actuator assembly are arranged to move the tiltable portion with respect to the fixed portion by means of a Lorentz force
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tiltable mirror device (1) comprising the components:a tiltable portion (2) comprising a substrate (2.1) having a reflective layer (2.2) for reflecting electromagnetic waves,a fixed portion (3) relative to which the tiltable portion (2) is movable,a bearing assembly (4) mechanically connecting the fixed portion (3) and the tiltable portion (2), wherein the bearing assembly (4) is arranged to render the tiltable portion (2) tiltable around at least one axis of rotation (100) with respect to the fixed portion (3),an actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly comprises two components, namely a coil portion (6) comprising one or more coils (6.1, 6.2) each comprising an electric conductor (6.3), and a magnetic assembly (5), wherein one component of the actuator assembly is comprised by the tiltable portion (2), and wherein the other component of the actuator assembly is comprised by the fixed portion (3), wherein the components of the actuator assembly are arranged to move the tiltable portion (2) with respect to the fixed portion (3) by means of a Lorentz force,whereinthe actuator assembly is arranged, particularly completely arranged in an actuation space (300) extending away from the reflective layer (2.2) on a single side of the reflective layer (2.2).