Compact Beam Steering Mechanism for LIDAR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR scanners are complex and large, making them impractical for integration into modern devices like autonomous vehicles, and existing compact solutions like MEMS mirrors have limited performance and are not suitable for harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact beam scanning device using multiple scanning mirrors that rotate in the same plane, coupled with gears and an actuator, to achieve two-dimensional scanning with mechanical simplicity and a large scanning area, suitable for harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LIDAR scanners use complex mechanical components to perform multidimensional scans, then scanning capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase making them impractical for integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two separate mirrors: a first mirror for horizontal scanning and a second mirror for vertical scanning. Each mirror handles one dimension of the scan, breaking down the complex multidimensional scanning task into simpler, independent components that can be managed separately while still achieving the overall scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane scanning mechanism to a two-plane scanning system by introducing a second mirror that scans in an orthogonal plane. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve 2D scanning coverage without requiring a single complex mirror to handle all dimensions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LIDAR scanners use complex mechanical components, then scanning capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the scanning function into two separate mirrors with distinct scanning planes, the patent reduces the functional load on each component. Each mirror only needs to perform scanning in one dimension, simplifying their mechanical requirements and reducing failure points compared to a single complex mirror attempting to handle multidimensional scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex mirror to achieve multidimensional scanning, the patent inverts the approach by using two simple mirrors in sequence, where the first mirror handles one dimension and the second mirror handles the other dimension. This inversion from one complex component to multiple simple components improves reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If MEMS mirrors are used for compact scanning, then device size is reduced, but performance is limited and they are not suitable for harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional mirror technology with a compact gear-driven actuation mechanism to achieve a middle ground between MEMS miniaturization and conventional large-scale systems. By merging the simplicity of traditional mirrors with efficient gear-based rotation control, the system maintains robustness for harsh environments while keeping the overall device size manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motor-driven actuation systems with a gear-based mechanical transmission system. The gear mechanism provides precise rotational control of the mirrors with simpler, more robust mechanics that are better suited for harsh environments compared to delicate MEMS structures or complex motor assemblies.
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 a compact, lightweight, and reliable two-dimensional scanning capability with a large scanning area, suitable for applications in autonomous vehicles and drones, while maintaining mechanical simplicity and high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The first scanner mirror can steer the beam of light through a reflection mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The beam scanning device can include a second scanner mirror that receives the beam of light from the reflection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms and systems for compact beam steering disclosed. A beam scanning device can include a first scanner mirror that receives a beam of light generated by a light source, and steers the beam of light through a reflection mechanism. The beam scanning device can include a second scanner mirror that receives the beam of light from the reflection mechanism. The beam scanning device can include a set of gears coupled to the first scanner mirror and the second scanner mirror that, when driven, rotate the first scanner mirror and the second scanner mirror at predetermined speeds. The beam scanning device includes an actuator that rotates the set of gears, the first scanner mirror, and the second scanner mirror at the predetermined speeds, causing the beam of light to reflect across the first and second scanner mirrors in a predetermined scanning pattern.