Variable Aperture Mechanism Using Segmented Blades and Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable aperture mechanisms in cameras and imaging devices are complex, prone to wear, and thermally unstable, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high actuation numbers and stable performance across varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A variable aperture mechanism using two blades coupled with magnets and electromagnetic motors to adjust aperture size, with a cooling system for thermal management, allowing for larger and smaller apertures without physical contact and reducing component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rotating iris approach with multiple rotary blades and piezoelectric motors is used, then aperture adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to wear after a few thousand actuations
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture blade is segmented into two separate parts: a main body portion and a cutout portion. This segmentation allows the aperture to be controlled by the relative positioning of these segments, eliminating the need for complex rotary mechanisms with multiple blades. The simplified structure directly addresses the reliability issue by removing wear-prone components while maintaining aperture adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical piezoelectric motor and rotary blade system with an electromagnetic actuation system. Electromagnetic motors generate electromagnetic fields that cause magnets coupled to the blade segments to move, thereby adjusting the aperture. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and wear, significantly improving actuation durability while reducing component complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional variable aperture mechanisms are used, then aperture size adjustment is achieved, but thermal instability compromises imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical piezoelectric motor system with an electromagnetic actuation system, the patent eliminates sources of thermal instability associated with mechanical friction and heat generation in traditional mechanisms. The electromagnetic system provides more stable thermal characteristics, ensuring consistent aperture performance across varying temperature conditions and maintaining imaging quality.
3Device complexity
If traditional rotating iris with multiple rotary blades is used, then aperture control is achieved, but the number of components and drive circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture blade is divided into a main body and a cutout portion that can move independently. This segmentation reduces the total number of components needed compared to traditional multi-blade rotary irises. Fewer components mean fewer potential failure points and reduced wear, directly improving reliability while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces multiple rotary blades driven by piezoelectric motors with a simplified system using blade segments actuated by electromagnetic motors. This substitution dramatically reduces component count and eliminates mechanical wear, simultaneously addressing both device complexity and reliability concerns.
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 provides a robust, thermally stable, and simplified aperture mechanism capable of high actuation numbers, supporting both large and small apertures with improved wear characteristics and reduced thermal instability, suitable for applications like infrared sensors.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic motors configured to generate different electromagnetic fields to (i) cause the magnets to move the blades into a first configuration and (ii) cause the magnets to move the blades into a second configuration
Implementation Method 2
The cooling system is configured to cool at least a portion of the variable aperture system including the blades
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first blade configured to be coupled to a first magnet and a second blade configured to be coupled to a second magnet. At least one of the blades has at least one cutout. The apparatus also includes electromagnetic motors configured to generate different electromagnetic fields to (i) cause the magnets to move the blades into a first configuration and (ii) cause the magnets to move the blades into a second configuration. The blades are separated to form a larger aperture in the first configuration, and the at least one cutout in the blades forms a smaller aperture in the second configuration. The apparatus may further include a cover plate and a base plate. The base plate can include an opening that defines the larger aperture and blade stops and stop pins configured to stop movement of the blades.