Voice Coil Beam Steering With Air-Bearing Bobbin Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam steering mechanisms in manufacturing processes, such as those used in aircraft and marine industries, face challenges with high power consumption and wear, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of laser projection and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of an actuator with a voice coil motor and a bobbin that moves on a thin film of air, minimizing frictional wear and reducing power consumption, combined with a beam steering mechanism that replaces galvanometers with actuators connected to mirrors via pivot anchors or flexures, allowing for rapid and precise control of laser beam direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If galvanometers are used to rotate mirrors for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but power consumption is high and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional galvanometer-based mechanical rotation system with a voice coil motor system that uses electromagnetic force to move the mirror assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous mechanical rotation and reduces wear on moving parts, thereby extending operational life while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thin film of air between the bobbin and the stationary pole to reduce frictional wear. This air bearing mechanism allows the bobbin to move smoothly with minimal contact, reducing mechanical wear and extending the operational life of the beam steering mechanism.
2Speed
If traditional galvanometer-based beam steering is used, then beam direction control is achieved, but acceleration capability is limited to 30G
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the mirror assembly is suspended on a thin film of air, allowing rapid acceleration and deceleration. The voice coil motor provides precise dynamic control of the mirror position, enabling 50G acceleration capability while maintaining efficient power consumption through optimized electromagnetic force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a voice coil motor instead of a galvanometer, enabling higher acceleration (50G vs 30G) with reduced power consumption (13W vs 50-60W). This parameter change is achieved through the electromagnetic force generation and air bearing mechanism.
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 solution enables faster and more accurate beam steering with significantly reduced power requirements and increased operational life, achieving 50G acceleration with only 13W of power, compared to 30G with 50-60W using traditional galvanometer-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator with a voice coil motor and a bobbin that moves on a thin film of air
Implementation Method 2
a bobbin that moves on a thin film of air, minimizing frictional wear
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator may include a stator supporting a magnet; a stationary pole; and a bobbin supporting a winding of a coil, the bobbin being coaxial with the stator and stationary pole, and positioned inside the magnet and outside the stationary pole. A gap may be provided between the bobbin and the stationary pole. A beam steering mechanism may include a mirror; a frame; a pivot anchor fixed to the frame and connected to the mirror; and an actuator. An output end of the actuator may be connected to the rear surface. A beam steering mechanism may alternatively include a flexure; a mirror attached to the flexure; a frame; supports fixed to the frame and the flexure; a pivot anchor fixed to the frame and connected to the mirror or the flexure; and an actuator. An output end of the actuator may be connected to the flexure.