Tuning Fork Scanner with Counterweight for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical scanning systems, particularly in endoscopes, face limitations in miniaturization due to complexity and mechanical constraints, leading to vulnerability and performance deterioration, and existing solutions are complex and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A scanning apparatus with a fork structure having forwardly extending tines and a rearwardly extending counterweight, supported at its center of mass, utilizing electromagnetic drives for relative vibration to provide fast and slow scans, and incorporating a stabilizing magnet and deformable material for enhanced stability and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing scanning systems are miniaturized, then the size is reduced, but complexity and mechanical constraints increase leading to vulnerability and performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight member integrated into the fork structure to balance the mass distribution. This counterweight compensates for the reduced size of other components, allowing the fork to maintain sufficient mass for stable vibration and scanning operation while keeping the overall device compact. The counterweight is positioned to create balanced mass distribution around the pivot point, reducing mechanical constraints and improving reliability in miniaturized configurations.
2Volume of moving object
If existing scanning systems are miniaturized, then the size is reduced, but mechanical properties of materials and component arrangement become more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into an integrated fork structure. The fork combines the scanning element, counterweight, and mounting interface into a single unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate counterweight attachments, mounting brackets, and alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing component arrangement complexity while maintaining miniaturized dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the scanning element, provides mass balance through its integrated counterweight, serves as the mounting interface for the optical fiber, and provides the pivot point for rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device architecture in miniaturized configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a counterweight member is added to the fork, then mass balance and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is merged with the fork structure as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This integration ensures that the counterweight moves with the fork during vibration and scanning, maintaining constant mass balance without requiring additional mounting hardware or adjustment mechanisms. The unified structure reduces complexity compared to separate counterweight assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork structure employs asymmetric mass distribution with the counterweight positioned at specific locations along the fork arms. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the center of mass position to improve stability during vibration and scanning operations. The asymmetric design is purposefully configured to compensate for the optical fiber mass and provide balanced rotational characteristics, enhancing stability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution enables the creation of smaller, more stable, and efficient optical scanning systems with improved performance and reduced vulnerability, allowing for smaller diameters and longer lengths while maintaining effective scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a drive for effecting relative vibration between said tines to provide a fast scan
Implementation Method 2
for driving said fork to provide a slow scan transverse to said fast scan
Implementation Method 3
the mount comprises a deformable material with an aperture in which the fork is located, wherein the deformable material deforms to accommodate motion of the fork
Implementation Method 4
a stabilizing magnet located rearward of said counterweight member. This magnet defines the approximate location of the apparatus when not in use, and defines an operational centre when the apparatus is in use
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning method and apparatus, the apparatus comprising a fork with first and second forwardly extending tines and a rearwardly extending counterweight member, a mount for supporting the fork at a point between the tines and the counterweight member, and a drive for effecting relative vibration between the tines to provide a fast scan and for driving the fork to provide a slow scan transverse to the fast scan.