Coaxial LiDAR System Alignment Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems, both biaxial and coaxial, face challenges in alignment complexity and installation space due to the need for precise alignment of transmitter and receiver units, with coaxial systems requiring separation of transmission and reception paths that limits system performance and increases installation space.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial LiDAR system design where the emitting surface of the transmitter unit is positioned outside the focus of the imaging optical system, allowing for defocused emission and reception, simplifying alignment and reducing installation space by using a shared optical system for both paths, with the detection surface situated in or outside the focus to avoid blocking the emitted beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the emitting surface is positioned at the focus of the optical system to achieve collimated emission, then beam divergence is minimized and spatial resolution is improved, but the receiver cannot be placed in the beam path without blocking the emitted beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by introducing a beam splitter that divides the collinear path into separate transmission and reception paths. The beam splitter allows the transmitted beam to pass through while directing the backscattered light to the detector, enabling the receiver to be positioned without blocking the emitted beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the transmitter and receiver units. It separates the overlapping optical paths by directing the forward-going beam to the transmitter and the return beam to the detector, resolving the conflict between maintaining collimated emission and allowing receiver placement.
2Ease of operation
If beam splitters or aperture mirrors are used to separate transmission and reception paths in coaxial systems, then the receiver can be positioned without blocking the beam, but precise alignment and adjustment of components is required and installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter and receiver units into a single integrated housing, reducing the overall installation space. The beam splitter is positioned within the collinear optical path, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing the volume required for the LiDAR system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple channels are adjusted in biaxial systems, then complete coverage of the detection area is achieved, but significant effort in adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates the transmission and reception paths, maintains the collinear optical configuration, and enables the receiver to detect backscattered light without blocking the emitted beam. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate adjustment procedures needed.
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 design simplifies the adjustment of transmitter and receiver units, reduces installation space, and maintains system performance by allowing detection of backscattered light without blocking the emitted beam, while optimizing resolution and optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system for imaging LiDAR radiation, the radiation emitted by the transmitter unit and the radiation incident on the receiver unit being transmitted in collinear form by the optical system
Implementation Method 2
the emitting surface of the transmitter unit being situated outside of the focus of the imaging optical system. This means that the radiation emitted by the emitting surface of the transmitter unit is not collimated by the imaging optical system and therefore is emitted into the surroundings at least in a slightly defocused manner
Implementation Method 3
The laser beam emitted by a LiDAR system is generally shaped by optical systems. The transmission optical system is mostly positioned for this purpose in such a way that the least possible beam divergence (defining the spatial resolution of the LiDAR system) of the emitted beam is achieved
Implementation Method 4
the light backscattered from an external object (so-called useful beam) is collected by the same optical system in the case of a coaxial system
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial LiDAR system having a reduced adjustment complexity and reduced installation space includes a transmitter unit designed to emit LiDAR radiation, a receiver unit designed to detect incident LiDAR radiation, and an optical system for imaging LiDAR radiation, the radiation emitted by the transmitter unit and the radiation from the optical system incident upon the receiver unit being transmitted in collinear form, the emitting surface of the transmitter unit being situated outside of the focus of the imaging optical system.