Two-Axis Drive Device Merging Coils for Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-axis drive devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for a complex arrangement of outer and inner drive units with coils, which hinders compact design and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A drive device configuration featuring a support, movable portions, magnets, and coils, where the coils are positioned to maximize magnetic flux usage without overlapping, allowing for independent axis control and reduced crosstalk, enabling miniaturization while maintaining high-speed operation and minimizing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If outer drive unit and inner drive unit are disposed with coils in each unit, then two-axis drive function is achieved, but device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetwo-axis drive functionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive functions for both axes into a single drive unit by disposing two coils (first coil and second coil) within one movable portion. The magnetic flux from magnets acts on both coils simultaneously, enabling two-axis drive without requiring separate outer and inner drive units. This merging approach reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the two-axis drive capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single movable portion serves multiple functions by incorporating both the first coil and second coil that respond to magnetic flux from the magnets. This movable portion can be driven in two different directions by controlling current in different coils, making it a universal drive element that replaces the need for separate specialized drive units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If coils are positioned to maximize magnetic flux usage, then drive efficiency increases, but mutual interference between axes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive efficiencyVSAvoidmutual interference between axes
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct magnetic flux paths for each coil. The magnetic flux from the magnets is distributed such that one flux path primarily acts on the first coil while another flux path primarily acts on the second coil. This localized differentiation allows both coils to efficiently utilize magnetic flux for their respective drive directions while minimizing cross-interference between the two axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 achieves miniaturization of the drive device, reduces mutual interference between axes, and allows for high-speed, efficient operation with reduced heat generation, enhancing the compactness and performance of two-axis drive systems.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic flux from the magnets acts on the first coil and magnetic flux from the magnets acts on the second coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3598622B1Drive device and distance measuring device
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 PIONEER IP
  • EP3598622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3598622B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3598622B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A drive device (10) includes a support (23), a first movable portion (21), a first magnet (41), a second magnet (42), a first coil (31), and a second coil (32). The first movable portion (21) is swingable in two axial directions with respect to the support (23). The first magnet (41) is positioned inside the first movable portion (21) when viewed from a first direction. The second magnet (42) is positioned outside the first movable portion (21) when viewed from the first direction. Magnetic flux from the first magnet (41) acts on the first coil (31). Magnetic flux from the second magnet (42) acts on the second coil (32).