Compact LiDAR Housing with Folded Optical Path for Vehicle Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems mounted on vehicles are bulky and protruding, compromising aerodynamics and vehicle styling, and often require a trade-off between compact design and long-distance detection performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact LiDAR system design with a reduced height and tapered vertical profile, integrating an optical core assembly with an oscillating reflective element and optical polygon, optimized for seamless integration above the vehicle's windshield, maintaining a flush top surface and minimizing protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LiDAR systems are mounted on vehicles, then long-distance detection performance is maintained, but the system becomes bulky and protruding, compromising aerodynamics and vehicle styling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the LiDAR optical path by folding the light beam trajectory using additional reflective surfaces, transforming a linear extended structure into a compact three-dimensional arrangement. This dimensional transformation allows the maintaining of sufficient optical path length for long-distance detection while reducing the external footprint and protrusion of the device, thereby improving aerodynamics and vehicle styling integration.
2Shape
If compact LiDAR systems are designed, then aerodynamics and vehicle styling are improved, but the receiving aperture is reduced, negatively impacting long-distance detection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical configuration where multiple optical components (transmitting optics, reflective surfaces, collection optics) are arranged in a compact nested structure. The light beam is folded back through the housing using internal reflective surfaces, creating a nested optical path that maintains sufficient aperture size for long-distance detection while keeping the overall device compact and flush with the vehicle surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the LiDAR system is integrated above the vehicle's windshield, then seamless integration is achieved, but the optical path length and aperture size are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple discrete segments using separate transmitting optics, intermediate reflective surfaces, and collection optics. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, and the segmented paths are combined through the folded optical configuration. This segmentation allows the optical path to be distributed within the constrained space above the windshield while maintaining sufficient total path length for long-distance detection.
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 design allows for effective long-distance detection while enhancing vehicle aerodynamics and styling, enabling seamless integration without compromising detection performance.
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
Implementation Method 3
Using the difference between the time that the return light pulse is detected and the time that a corresponding light pulse in the light beam is transmitted, the LiDAR system can determine the distance to the object using the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system for at least partial integration with a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an optical core assembly including an oscillating reflective element, an optical polygon element, and transmitting and collection optics. The apparatus includes a first exterior surface at least partially bounded by at least a first portion of a vehicle roof or at least a portion of a vehicle windshield. A surface profile of the first exterior surface aligns with a surface profile associated with at least one of the first portion of the vehicle roof or the portion of the vehicle windshield. A combination of the first exterior surface and the one or more additional exterior surfaces form a housing enclosing the optical core assembly including the oscillating reflective element, the optical polygon element, and the transmitting and collection optics.