Vibration Wave Motor Thickness Reduction via Integrated Guide Pressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic motors for lens driving devices have limitations in reducing thickness due to the arrangement of guide and rolling members, which restricts further miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A vibration wave motor design that includes a vibrator, friction member, press members, guide members, and a hold member, where the friction member and guide members are stacked in the pressurizing direction with reduced fixing members, and press members are positioned around the vibrator, allowing for relative movement and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the arrangement of rolling members and guide members is changed to reduce thickness, then the thickness of the ultrasonic motor is reduced, but the limit of thickness reduction is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide mechanism and pressing mechanism into a single integrated structure where the guide members serve dual functions. The guide members not only guide the movable part but also work in conjunction with pressing members to apply pressure to the friction member, eliminating the need for separate guide and pressing components and thereby reducing overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members are designed to perform multiple functions: guiding the movable part in its travel direction, supporting the pressing members, and participating in the pressure application mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the removal of dedicated pressing members while maintaining both guiding and pressing functions, achieving thickness reduction without sacrificing functionality.
2Length of stationary object
If guide mechanism and pressing mechanism are integrated, then thickness is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating functions, the patent maintains clear segmentation of components with distinct responsibilities. The guide members are separated from the movable part, and the pressing members are distinct elements that work with the guide members. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall thickness without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If fixing members are reduced, then thickness reduction is achieved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where components are positioned within each other's spatial envelopes. The pressing members are positioned within the structure formed by the guide members and housing, allowing compact integration without requiring additional fixing members. This nesting achieves thickness reduction while maintaining structural stability through efficient space utilization.
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 vibration wave motor achieves significant thickness reduction compared to conventional ultrasonic motors, enabling thinner lens driving devices while maintaining effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 105 and a vibration plate 104, which makes elliptical motions when voltages are applied to the piezoelectric element 105
Implementation Method 2
a friction member 106 that comes into frictional contact with the vibrator 103... allowing for relative movement of the vibrator and the friction member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vibration wave motor including: a vibrator; a friction member that comes into frictional contact with the vibrator; a press member that pressurizes the vibrator and the friction member into frictional contact with each other; a first guide member and a second guide member that guide the vibrator and the friction member so as to allow relative movement of the vibrator and the friction member; a hold member that holds the friction member and the first guide member; and a fixing member. The friction member and the first guide member are fixed to the hold member with the fixing member.