Two-Axis Scanners for Rotatable Scan Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning devices lack the ability to freely rotate the scan field and vary scanning speed without requiring scanner exchange or beam path modification, and existing 2-axis scanners do not adequately address the rotatability issue.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device comprising two 2-axis scanners with orthogonal oscillation axes, controlled to superimpose their vibrations or oscillations for flexible rotation and scanning speed adjustment, using a controller to align and synchronize the scanners' movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a resonant scanner is used for fast axis scanning, then scanning speed is improved, but the scan field orientation cannot be rotated freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a resonant scanner and a quasi-static scanner into a single integrated scanning device with two oscillation axes. The resonant scanner provides high-speed scanning along one axis while the quasi-static scanner enables slow-axis feed and scan field rotation. This merging allows the system to achieve both high scanning speed and flexible orientation adjustment without requiring separate devices or beam path modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated scanning device performs multiple functions simultaneously: fast axis scanning via resonant oscillation, slow axis feed via quasi-static deflection, and scan field rotation by coordinating both scanners. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to exchange scanners or modify beam paths when changing scan orientations, providing universal applicability across different scanning requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scan field orientation is changed from resonant to non-resonant scanning, then scanning flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to scanner exchange or beam path modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges resonant and non-resonant scanning capabilities into a single device architecture. By integrating both a resonant scanner and a quasi-static scanner with coordinated control, the system can switch between resonant and non-resonant scanning modes without physical scanner exchange or beam path modification, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining scanning flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two combined scanners are used to rotate the scan field, then scan field rotatability is improved, but the solution becomes very specific and less cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal scanning device architecture that achieves scan field rotation using standard resonant and quasi-static scanner components with coordinated control. This approach avoids very specific or custom-designed scanner combinations, making the solution more cost-effective and easier to manufacture while maintaining full scan field rotatability capability.
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
Enables free rotation and variable scanning speed of the scan field, utilizing cost-effective 2-axis scanners with minimal distortion and distortion correction, allowing bidirectional and unidirectional scanning.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning mirror that can be excited resonantly to vibrate about a second oscillation axis
Implementation Method 2
the frame operates as a quasi-static scanner and does not operate resonantly; instead, it is deflected continually or incrementally by means of a drive
Implementation Method 3
the two scanners are in this case arranged with respect to one another at an angle of more than zero degrees and no more than 90 degrees. A spatial and temporal alignment of the scanners, i.e. their vibration or oscillation behaviour or their alignment, is matched to one another by means of a controller
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning device for scanning a scan field, and a method for operating the device, said scanning device having a first scanner and a second scanner, each with a frame that is movable about a first oscillation axis and, held in said frame a scanning mirror that can be excited resonantly to vibrate about a second oscillation axis. The scanners are arranged in a beam path and imaged onto one another. Their spatial and temporal alignments are matched to one another by means of a controller and by means of drives of the scanners connected therewith, for the purpose of scanning the scan field. Each scanner is a 2-axis scanner whose respective first oscillation axis is directed orthogonally to the respective second oscillation axis.