Axially reinforced flexible scan element

摘要

A flexible scan element for a laser scanner is disclosed. The flexible can element may be made from a non-linear elastomeric material that twists sufficiently for scan operation but resists unwanted motion from shock/vibration through the use of a rigid motion-limiting member encapsulated, at least partially, within the body of the flexible scan element. In this way, no external components are required for limiting excess motion.

主权项

1. A flexible scan element for a laser scanner, comprising:
a flexible body formed to have an upper mounting section, an upper hinge section, a central section, a lower hinge section, and a lower mounting section, all sections arranged collinearly along an axis of rotation, wherein: the upper mounting section is configured to fixedly attach to a fixed frame at an upper mounting point and the lower mounting section is configured to fixedly attach to a fixed frame at a lower mounting point; the upper hinge section is connected to the upper mounting section and the lower hinge section is connected to the lower mounting section, wherein the upper and lower hinge sections permit torsion about the axis of rotation; the central section is positioned between the upper and lower hinge sections and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation, the central section configured to facilitate the attachment of a mirror and a magnet; and an elongated motion-limiting member encapsulated within the flexible body and extending from at least the upper mounting section to the lower mounting section along the axis of rotation to permit torsion of the upper hinge section, the lower hinge section, and the central section and to limit unwanted movement of the upper hinge section, the lower hinge section, and the central section.