Adjustable Laser Radar Mirror Unit via Segmented Reflecting Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser radars face challenges in adjusting the emission angle of the laser beam due to the integral formation of rotation mirrors, leading to high costs, increased maintenance, and limited versatility, as well as inefficiencies in manufacturing and precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mirror unit with separate first and second reflecting members, each with precision-formed surfaces, allows for adjustable emission angles by changing the combination of these members, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing versatility and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the rotation mirror is integrally formed, then the structural strength and positioning precision are improved, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost are considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mirror is divided into a first rotation mirror and a second rotation mirror that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each mirror to be produced independently using cost-effective methods while maintaining precise positioning through the assembly structure with positioning protrusions and grooves.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the rotation mirror is integrally formed, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability for different emission angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed integral mirror to a dynamic configurable system where the first and second rotation mirrors can be selectively assembled in different combinations. This allows the emission angle to be adjusted by changing which reflecting surfaces are paired, while the overall structural stability is maintained through the rigid assembly structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rotation mirror is manufactured by aluminum machining and polishing, then the surface precision is improved, but the machining time and manufacturing cost are considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mirror into separate components, each can be manufactured using more efficient processes such as die casting or molding followed by selective polishing only of the reflecting surfaces, rather than machining and polishing the entire integrated structure. This significantly reduces total machining time while maintaining surface precision.
4Area of stationary object
If the spot size is increased in the sub-scanning angle direction, then the emission range is improved, but the resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple reflecting surfaces with different orientations on the first and second rotation mirrors. By selectively combining specific pairs of reflecting surfaces, the beam can be emitted with different spot sizes in different directions, allowing the emission range to be expanded in the sub-scanning direction while maintaining appropriate resolution by controlling the spot size through the specific mirror pair configuration.
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 an inexpensive, versatile, and precise mirror unit for laser radars, enabling adjustable beam emission angles and improved detection capabilities with reduced maintenance costs and increased precision, while allowing for effective wide-angle scanning with maintained resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a beam emitted from a light source is reflected on a first reflecting surface of the mirror unit, and then reflected on a second reflecting surface paired with the first reflecting surface, and the beam is emitted while being scanned over an object according to the rotation of the mirror unit
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror unit, a distance measurement device and a laser radar, and a mobile body and a fixed object having the mirror unit and the distance measurement device or the laser radar. The mirror unit includes a plurality of pairs of first reflecting surfaces and second reflecting surfaces inclined relative to a rotation axis, and extending in directions crossing each other. The mirror unit rotates about the rotation axis. In the mirror unit, a beam emitted from a light source is reflected on a first reflecting surface, and then reflected on a second reflecting surface paired with the first reflecting surface. The beam is scanned over an object with the rotation of the mirror unit. In the mirror unit, the first and second reflecting surfaces are formed, respectively, on first and second reflecting members which are combined to select an emission angle of a beam emitted from the mirror unit.