Tunable Optical Component Locking Unit for Zero Power State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunable optical components face challenges in efficiently altering optical properties without continuous power consumption, particularly in applications where low-frequency adjustments are needed.
Innovation Solution
The tunable optical component employs a separate locking unit that maintains a dedicated tuning state, allowing for the selection of actuators based on zero power consumption or high holding power, and incorporates a locking actuator that switches between open and closed states using shape memory alloys, electro-permanent magnets, or reluctance actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an actuator is used to maintain a tuning state, then the response time and linearity are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional units: a locking unit for maintaining tuning states and an actuator unit for changing optical properties. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently - the locking unit can use zero-power memory elements while the actuator unit provides fast response when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: locked mode for maintaining states with zero power consumption and unlocked mode for making changes with fast response. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its power consumption based on operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a locking unit is added to maintain tuning states, then the power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to work with multiple actuator types (shape memory alloys, electro-permanent magnets, reluctance actuators) and can maintain various tuning states. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing universal state maintenance capability across different actuator technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the optical component, providing a dedicated mechanism for maintaining tuning states. This intermediary layer isolates the actuator from direct power consumption requirements, allowing the optical component to be tuned without continuous power input.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the locking unit uses active open geometry, then the power consumption is minimized, but the holding power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit with active open geometry maintains tuning states through the inherent properties of memory elements that automatically retain their state without external power. The system serves itself by using the actuator's initial actuation to set a state that then maintains itself through zero-power memory mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Tunable optical component (1) comprising a first carrier (10) and a second carrier (20), wherein the first carrier (10) is movable with respect to the second carrier (20), a volume (30) filled with a liquid, wherein the volume is arranged between the first carrier (10) and the second carrier (20) along an optical axis (100) of the optical component (1), an actuator (40) which is arranged to move the first carrier (10) with respect to the second carrier (20) by means of an actuation force, wherein movement of the first carrier (10) with respect to the second carrier (20) changes a shape of the volume (30), and a locking unit (50), wherein the locking unit (50) is arranged to connect the first carrier (10) and the second carrier (20) to one another by means of a releasable connection, wherein in a closed state (51) the locking unit (50) is arranged impede relative motion of the first carrier (10) and the second carrier (20) along the optical axis (100), and in an open state (52) of the locking unit the first carrier (10) is movable with respect to the second carrier (20) along the optical axis (100) of the tunable optical component (1).