Vertically-Shifting Electrostatic Actuator for Optical Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanners with electrostatic actuators require a cover part that complicates the manufacturing process and is not suitable for automated mass production, and the alignment of this cover part can interfere with light paths, making them unsuitable for efficient and precise operation.
Innovation Solution
A vertically-shifting electrostatic actuator design that eliminates the need for a cover part by using a shifting mechanism to vertically separate the stationary and drive electrodes, allowing for a simplified manufacturing process and stable operation without misalignment, using shifters and a force application part to apply a vertical force and guide the movement of the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover part is used to protect the electrostatic actuator, then the actuator is protected, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and alignment issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the cover part from the electrostatic actuator structure entirely. The actuator operates without a cover, eliminating the need for cover assembly and alignment processes while maintaining proper protection through the device housing and assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention integrates the electrostatic actuator directly with the assembly structure, where the housing and support components provide both structural support and protection simultaneously, eliminating the need for a separate cover part.
2Reliability
If a cover part is used to protect the electrostatic actuator, then the actuator is protected, but misalignment and light path interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the cover part entirely, the invention eliminates the source of alignment errors and light path interference that the cover caused, while maintaining actuator protection through alternative structural means.
3Ease of operation
If the drive electrode and fixed electrode are inclined to enable rotational motion, then rotational motion is achieved, but additional manufacturing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inclining the electrodes to achieve rotation, the invention uses vertical displacement of the drive electrode relative to the fixed electrode. This inversion of the approach simplifies manufacturing while still enabling the required rotational motion through the electrostatic force generated by the vertically offset electrode configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional inclined electrode configuration to a three-dimensional vertically offset configuration. By displacing the drive electrode vertically relative to the fixed electrode, the system achieves rotational capability through a different spatial arrangement that is easier to manufacture.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the cover part is precisely aligned with the device part, then stable assembly is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the cover part from the assembly, removing the need for precise cover alignment processes while maintaining assembly stability through the integrated structure of the housing and support components.
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
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the size of the optical scanner, and enhances stability by eliminating the need for a cover part, minimizing misalignment issues and improving the efficiency of the electrostatic actuator's operation.
Implementation Method 1
The electrostatic actuator includes a drive electrode, a stationary electrode, and a shifter. The drive electrode is shifted from an initial position in a direction parallel to a plane of the stationary electrode by a predetermined distance in a vertical direction due to an electrostatic force
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a vertically-shifting electrostatic actuator and an optical scanner employing the electrostatic actuator. The optical scanner of the present disclosure includes a mirror configured to reflect an incident light; and an electrostatic actuator configured to oscillate the mirror. According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the electrostatic actuator includes a frame having an installation space in a central portion; and a drive electrode, a stationary electrode, a shifter, and a force application part installed in the installation space. Drive electrode fingers in the drive electrode and stationary electrode fingers in the stationary electrode are alternately disposed. The shifter may be connected either between the frame and the drive electrode or between the frame and the stationary electrode and vertically shifts either the drive electrode or the stationary electrode connected to the shifter when a vertical force is applied through the force application part.