Asymmetric LiDAR Corner Mount for 180° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems mounted at the front of vehicles typically have symmetric Field-of-View (FoV) optimized for front object detection, making it challenging to cover a complete 180° horizontal FoV without compromising detection of far objects in the front center direction, and require multiple units to achieve full coverage, which increases protrusion and aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR scanning architecture featuring a rotating polygon, transceiver, and scanner mirror placed laterally on a vehicle's roof, with an asymmetric horizontal FoV profile, allowing two units to cover the complete 180° front field with good overlap and reduced protrusion, enhancing redundancy and aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If symmetric FoV LiDAR units are mounted at the front of the vehicle, then front object detection is optimized, but complete 180° horizontal FoV coverage cannot be achieved without compromising far object detection in the front center direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring LiDAR units with asymmetric horizontal FoV profiles where one unit covers 0° to 120° and the other covers 60° to 180°. This asymmetric configuration allows both units to contribute effectively to the front center direction (0° to 60° overlap region), maintaining far object detection capability while achieving complete 180° horizontal coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple LiDAR units are mounted to expand horizontal FoV coverage, then complete 180° front field coverage is achieved, but LiDAR protrusion and aerodynamic drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional front-mounted configuration to a roof-mounted configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension above the vehicle. This allows the LiDAR units to be positioned laterally on the roof surface, reducing front protrusion and minimizing aerodynamic drag while maintaining effective horizontal FoV coverage through the asymmetric 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
This configuration provides comprehensive 180° front field coverage with reduced LiDAR protrusion, improving aerodynamics and vehicle styling by maintaining detection capabilities while minimizing the LiDAR's vertical height and enhancing redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
The light steering system can direct light beams along different paths to allow the LiDAR system to scan the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
When a transmitted light beam is scattered by an object, a portion of the scattered light returns to the LiDAR system as a return light pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system for at least partial integration with a vehicle roof is disclosed. The system comprises one or more optical core assemblies at least partially integrated with the vehicle roof and positioned proximate to one or more pillars of the vehicle roof. At least one optical core assembly comprises an oscillating reflective element, an optical polygon element, and transmitting and collection optics. At least a portion or a side surface of the at least one optical core assembly protrudes outside of a planar surface of the vehicle roof to facilitate scanning of light. The portion of the at least one optical core assembly that protrudes outside of the planar surface of the vehicle roof also protrudes in a vertical direction by an amount corresponding to a lateral arrangement of the optical polygon element, the oscillating reflective element, and the transmitting and collection optics.