Trapezoidal Scanning Mirror Inertia Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical scanners in X-Y configurations for vector scanning face challenges in matching the inertia of X and Y mirrors, leading to speed discrepancies and system performance sacrifices due to differences in mirror dimensions and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A new shape for the X mirror is derived, with a trapezoidal design having a wider bottom and narrower top, providing equal inertia to the Y mirror while avoiding interference with the Y scanner's path, thus allowing for synchronized scanning speeds without increasing the distance between mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional rectangular X mirror is used, then the mirror is simple to manufacture, but the inertia does not match the Y mirror causing speed discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the X mirror from a traditional rectangular shape to a trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal configuration with a wider bottom and narrower top creates the specific inertia characteristics needed to match the Y mirror, while the asymmetric design allows the mirror to avoid interfering with the Y scanner's optical path. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing simple symmetry for the sake of achieving precise inertia matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating mass distribution in specific regions of the mirror. The trapezoidal shape creates a non-uniform mass distribution where the wider bottom portion contributes more to the moment of inertia than the narrower top portion. This localized mass concentration allows precise control over the mirror's inertial properties to match the Y mirror without requiring identical overall dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If identical mirrors are used for X and Y scanners, then inertia matching is achieved, but the X mirror interferes with the Y scanner's path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry to differentiate the X mirror shape from the Y mirror while maintaining matched inertia. The trapezoidal X mirror has a different geometric configuration than the Y mirror, allowing it to be positioned without blocking the Y scanner's optical path, yet still achieve the required inertial characteristics through its specific mass distribution and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the path interference issue by utilizing the spatial dimension. The trapezoidal shape allows the X mirror to be positioned at an angle and distance that places it outside the Y scanner's optical path while maintaining the necessary inertial properties. This dimensional arrangement eliminates interference without sacrificing inertia matching.
3Speed
If de-tuning is used to accommodate different mirror inertias, then scanning speeds can be adjusted, but system performance is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-matching the inertias of the X and Y mirrors during the design and manufacturing phase. By configuring the X mirror with a trapezoidal shape that provides the exact inertia needed to match the Y mirror, the system eliminates the need for runtime de-tuning adjustments. This preliminary inertia matching ensures both mirrors can operate at their optimal synchronized speeds without compromising system performance.
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 design ensures that X and Y mirrors have matching inertia, enabling synchronized scanning speeds without the drawbacks of de-tuning or using identical mirrors, thereby improving system performance and reducing cross-axis wobble.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam is transmitted along a beam axis. A first scanner operable with a first mirror for providing oscillations or rotations to the first mirror... reflecting the incident laser beam from its reflecting surface
Implementation Method 2
A bottom portion of the reflective surface has an effective width dimension greater than the preset width dimension, and a top portion of the reflective surface has an effective width dimension less than the preset width dimension, such that a greater inertia is provided to the bottom portion of the scanning mirror that to the top portion
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning mirror includes a reflective surface having a preset width dimension measured orthogonally to its axis of rotation. The preset width dimension accommodates a maximum angle of incidence of a beam being scanned by the reflective surface. A length dimension of the reflective surface, as measured along the axis of rotation, is at least equal to a diameter of the beam being scanned. A bottom portion of the reflective surface has an effective width dimension greater than the preset width dimension, and a top portion of the reflective surface has an effective width dimension less than the preset width dimension, such that a greater inertia is provided to the bottom portion of the scanning mirror that to the top portion. One shape for the reflective surface comprises a trapezoid.