Tiltable Mirror Lorentz Actuation for Compact Tilt Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tiltable mirror devices are often bulky and energy-inefficient, lacking a compact design suitable for applications requiring small tilt angles without significant geometric constraints.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable mirror device with an actuator assembly arranged completely on one side of the reflective layer, utilizing a coil and magnetic assembly aligned parallel to the axis of rotation, allowing for compact design and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator assembly is arranged laterally shifted along the axis of rotation with respect to the substrate, then large tilt angles or even full rotation can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and the space is not limited by the tiltable portion
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is moved from a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to optical axis) to an arrangement along the optical axis direction. The coil portion is positioned at a first position along the optical axis and the magnetic assembly at a second position, creating an axial configuration that reduces lateral space requirements while maintaining tilt functionality through controlled angular deflection of the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly components are arranged in a nested configuration along the optical axis, with the coil portion and magnetic assembly positioned at different axial locations. This nesting approach allows the actuator components to be compactly arranged within the device volume, with the substrate positioned between them, effectively utilizing the axial dimension to reduce overall device footprint.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator assembly is arranged laterally shifted along the axis of rotation, then the space comprising the actuation assembly is not limited by the tiltable portion, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly transitions from a lateral layout to an axial layout along the optical axis. The coil portion and magnetic assembly are positioned at different axial positions, allowing the actuation mechanism to operate within a compact axial footprint while maintaining operational freedom through the substrate's angular deflection capability.
3Volume of moving object
If the device is designed for compactness with geometric restraints, then space is optimized, but large tilt angles cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes parameters including the axial positioning of coil and magnetic assembly, the dimensions and winding configuration of the coil, and the magnetic assembly geometry to achieve compactness. These parameter optimizations enable small to moderate tilt angles (typically ±5° to ±15°) to be achieved within a compact volume, suitable for applications requiring precise beam positioning rather than large angular sweeps.
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, robust, and energy-efficient operation with controlled tilt angles, enhancing stability and reducing mechanical shocks.
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 comprising the components: a tiltable portion comprising a substrate having a reflective layer for reflecting electromagnetic waves, a fixed portion relative to which the tiltable portion is movable, a bearing assembly mechanically connecting the fixed portion and the tiltable portion, wherein the bearing assembly is arranged to render the tiltable portion tiltable around at least one axis of rotation with respect to the fixed portion, an actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly comprises two components, namely a coil portion comprising one or more coils each comprising an electric conductor, and a magnetic assembly, wherein one component of the actuator assembly is comprised by the tiltable portion, and wherein the other component of the actuator assembly is comprised by the fixed portion, wherein 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, wherein the actuator assembly is entirely arranged in an actuation space extending away from the reflective layer on a single side of the reflective layer, wherein a winding axis of each coil is parallel to the axis of rotation and wherein magnetic assembly comprises one or more magnets, wherein each magnet is oriented with its magnetic poles parallel to the axis of rotation.