Arrayed Rotating Mirrors for Lidar Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam scanning technologies for lidars face challenges such as small scanning angles, high costs, large volume, high power consumption, and complex mechanical structures, making them unsuitable for self-driving vehicles and intelligent robotics applications.
Innovation Solution
A beam scanning apparatus with arrayed rotating mirrors, where multiple rotating mirrors operate in a linkage manner, driven by a motor and wormgear system, reducing volume and power consumption while increasing scanning angle and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional mechanical beam scanning devices are used, then scanning function is achieved, but volume is large and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional single large scanning mirror into multiple small rotating mirrors arranged in an array. Each mirror is independently rotatable and can be controlled to scan laser beams. This segmentation reduces the volume of individual moving parts while maintaining the overall scanning capability through coordinated operation of multiple mirrors.
2Volume of moving object
If MEMS mirror is used, then volume is reduced, but scanning angle is small and precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple MEMS mirrors into an array configuration where each mirror contributes to the overall scanning function. By merging the capabilities of multiple small mirrors, the system achieves a larger effective scanning angle and improved precision through the collective action of all mirrors, overcoming the limitations of individual MEMS mirrors.
3Device complexity
If optical phased array technology is used, then no mechanical structure is needed, but synchronous scanning cannot be achieved and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional single large mechanical scanning mirror with an array of smaller rotating mirrors that can be independently controlled. This substitution allows for simpler individual mirror mechanisms while achieving synchronous scanning capability through coordinated control of multiple mirrors, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring complex single-mirror mechanical structures.
4Measurement precision
If conventional scanning mirrors are used, then scanning angle is limited, but system volume remains large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-mirror one-dimensional scanning approach to a multi-mirror array that enables two-dimensional scanning. By arranging mirrors in an array and controlling their individual rotation angles, the system achieves scanning in multiple dimensions simultaneously, increasing the effective scanning angle without proportionally increasing the volume of moving parts.
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 apparatus achieves a large scanning angle of view, high precision, and low power consumption, making it suitable for lidar systems requiring miniaturization and cost-effectiveness, with a scanning angle reaching at least 60° or 100°, and significantly reducing system volume and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting mirror is used as a scanning mirror, and the scanning mirror is decomposed into a plurality of rotating sub-mirrors
Implementation Method 2
the motor (1) is configured to drive the worm (2) to rotate, to drive the wormgear (3) and the rotating mirror (5) to rotate coaxially
Implementation Method 3
the worm (2) and the wormgear (3) are located on the mounting rack (4), and engage with each other by using a gear (11) for a linkage connection
Data Source
AI summary
A beam scanning apparatus with arrayed rotating mirrors is provided. The beam scanning apparatus includes a motor, a worm, a wormgear, a mounting rack, and a rotating mirror, where the worm and the wormgear are located on the mounting rack, and engage with each other by using a gear for a linkage connection; the rotating mirror is located in the mounting rack, and is coaxially connected to the wormgear; and the motor is configured to drive the worm to rotate, to drive the wormgear and the rotating mirror to rotate coaxially. The rotating mirror may be replaced with another rotating mirror with a different structure and a different optical parameter, to adjust output performance of the beam scanning apparatus, thereby improving extensibility.