Translational Driving Apparatus Reducing Actuator Friction Load

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image stabilization devices using vibration-type actuators suffer from high drive loads due to frictional forces, leading to increased power consumption and reduced driving efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A translational driving apparatus is designed with a plurality of drive units, each comprising a vibration-type actuator and an elastic body, where the output portions engage with driving-force receiving parts to apply driving forces without intersecting forces perpendicularly, reducing frictional loads and allowing efficient translation in a plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If vibration bodies are in pressure contact with a friction plate to transmit driving force, then the driving force can be effectively transmitted to the moving plate, but frictional forces occur between the vibration body and the moving plate which become loads to the driving, increasing power consumption and reducing driving efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving force transmissionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical transmission system with a magnetic field-based transmission system. Specifically, it uses a vibration-type actuator that generates a magnetic field to drive the moving plate, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact between vibration bodies and the friction plate. This substitution of mechanical contact with magnetic field interaction resolves the contradiction by maintaining effective driving force transmission while eliminating frictional losses that cause energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the vibration-type actuator and the moving plate. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the vibration-type actuator generates magnetic flux that interacts with the moving plate through the magnetic field intermediary. This allows driving force transmission without physical contact, thereby eliminating frictional forces while maintaining effective drive transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vibration bodies contact the moving plate in different directions, then the moving plate can be driven in multiple directions, but frictional forces from each contact point create loads that reduce overall driving efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional driving capabilityVSAvoiddriving efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical contact points with a single vibration-type actuator that generates magnetic fields in multiple directions. The actuator can produce magnetic flux along different axes (X, Y, Z directions) without requiring multiple separate vibration bodies in physical contact with the moving plate. This maintains multi-directional driving capability while eliminating the cumulative frictional loads that would result from multiple contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration-type actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate driving forces in multiple directions (X, Y, Z axes) and can control the movement of the moving plate along different trajectories. This single multi-functional actuator replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate vibration bodies, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing the number of contact points and associated frictional losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus effectively reduces drive loads on the vibration-type actuator, enabling efficient operation by minimizing frictional forces and optimizing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element 113 as an electro-mechanical energy conversion element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a plate-shaped elastic body 111

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a frictional force that occurs between the vibration body for driving in the second direction and the moving plate becomes a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10404918B2Translational driving apparatus and electronic apparatus using this

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 CANON KK

AI summary

In a translational driving apparatus that is capable of reducing the drive load of a vibration-type actuator, each of a plurality of drive units has a vibration-type actuator and an output portion that outputs a driving force that occurs by driving the vibration-type actuator. A holding portion holds the drive units. A movable body has driving-force receiving parts that slidably engage with the output portions, and is driven by the drive units. A fixing portion supports the movable body so as to allow translation in any direction in a plane. The output portions receive no force from the driving-force receiving parts in a direction that intersects perpendicularly with the plane.