Beam-Steering Mirror Array Phase Control for High-Speed LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in efficiently scanning and mapping environments due to variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies among oscillating mirrors, which affect their ability to oscillate in phase at high frequencies, leading to mechanical deformation and reduced scanning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A beam-steering device for LIDAR systems that uses an array of oscillating mirrors aligned in parallel, driven by electromagnets and feedback systems to adjust driving parameters, ensuring the mirrors oscillate in phase at an operating frequency, despite variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies, by using feedback sensors to monitor orientations and adjust the amplitude and phase of driving signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mirrors oscillate at high frequencies without feedback control, then scanning speed increases, but mechanical deformation occurs due to variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the actual orientation of each mirror, and this information is fed back to adjust the driving signals. The system determines driving parameters based on sensor feedback to ensure mirrors oscillate in phase at the operating frequency, compensating for variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies, thereby maintaining scanning accuracy at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts driving parameters (amplitude and phase of driving signals) for each mirror based on their individual characteristics. By changing these parameters in real-time according to feedback from orientation sensors, the system optimizes the oscillation of each mirror to maintain in-phase operation at high frequencies without mechanical deformation
2Measurement precision
If mirrors are driven without adjusting for individual variations, then device complexity decreases, but mirrors fail to oscillate in phase, reducing scanning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individualized control for each mirror. Each mirror has its own orientation sensor and receives customized driving signals with specific amplitude and phase parameters tailored to its individual characteristics. This localized approach ensures each mirror oscillates in phase despite manufacturing variations, achieving high scanning accuracy without requiring overly complex centralized control
3Stability of the object's composition
If feedback systems adjust driving parameters for each mirror, then oscillation phase consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors the orientation of each mirror using sensors and adjusts the driving parameters (amplitude and phase) accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that despite variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies, all mirrors oscillate in phase at the operating frequency, maintaining stable and consistent oscillation composition
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts driving parameters for each mirror based on real-time feedback from orientation sensors. By making the control system adaptive and responsive to individual mirror characteristics, the system achieves consistent phase alignment without requiring overly complex static control mechanisms
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 allows for high-frequency oscillation of the mirrors without significant mechanical deformation, enabling accurate scanning and mapping of environments with improved reliability and precision, as the mirrors can span larger areas while maintaining precise alignment and scanning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The mirrors are driven by a set of electromagnets arranged to apply torque on the mirrors
Implementation Method 2
The emitted light pulses are scanned through the scanning zone by reflecting the light from an array of oscillating mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device scans through a scanning zone while emitting light pulses and receives reflected signals corresponding to the light pulses. The LIDAR device scans the emitted light pulses through the scanning zone by reflecting the light pulses from an array of oscillating mirrors. The mirrors are operated by a set of electromagnets arranged to apply torque on the mirrors, and an orientation feedback system senses the orientations of the mirrors. Driving parameters for each mirror are determined based on information from the orientation feedback system. The driving parameters can be used to drive the mirrors in phase at an operating frequency despite variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies among the mirrors.