Compact LIDAR Assembly With Sealed Cooling and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR measurement systems face challenges in achieving robustness, compactness, and effective heat evacuation, particularly when exposed to harsh environments and vibrations, which compromise measurement integrity and fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A compact LIDAR measurement system design integrating a laser scanner and tracking device within a sealed protective case, with a cooling system that includes heat collectors and a heat exchanger, and a flexible attachment of components to manage vibrations and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the laser scanner and tracking device are integrated into a compact system, then the system becomes more robust and space-efficient, but heat evacuation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates heat-generating components (laser source, electronic units) from sensitive components (tracking device, detection unit) by placing them in different zones within the protective case. Heat collectors are positioned near heat-generating components while heat exchangers are positioned to dissipate heat away from sensitive components, enabling thermal management in the integrated compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling device comprising heat collectors and heat exchangers is introduced as an intermediary thermal management system. The heat collectors thermally connect to heat-generating components to absorb heat, while heat exchangers positioned at strategic locations transfer heat to the external environment, enabling effective heat evacuation within the compact integrated structure.
2Reliability
If components are sealed in a protective case for robustness, then environmental protection is improved, but heat dissipation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The protective case is designed with selective permeability and thermal conductivity characteristics. While maintaining sealing against environmental factors (dust, humidity), the case incorporates thermal pathways and heat exchanger interfaces that enable heat to transfer from internal components to the external environment, reconciling protection with thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat exchangers positioned on or near the protective case serve as intermediaries, transferring heat from the sealed internal environment to the external environment without compromising the seal. This allows the protective case to maintain environmental protection while enabling effective heat dissipation through controlled thermal exchange at the boundary.
3Ease of manufacture
If the laser scanner and tracking device are assembled as independent components, then ease of assembly is improved, but system compactness and integration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner and tracking device are merged into a single integrated assembly mounted on common mounting means within the protective case. This integration reduces the overall system volume and improves compactness while maintaining the functional independence of each component through modular design elements that facilitate assembly.
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 system ensures robust protection against environmental factors while maintaining measurement accuracy and compactness, effectively dissipating heat and minimizing mechanical stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device comprising at least one heat collector arranged in the measurement system and thermally connected to a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR measurement system comprises: —a frame comprising a plurality of side members connected to each other in order to define an internal space; —a laser scanner attached to one end of the frame and having at least one projecting portion that is arranged outside the internal space; —a tracking device attached without any degree of freedom to the laser scanner and arranged in the internal space; —a cooling device comprising at least one heat collector arranged in the measurement system and thermally connected to a heat exchanger; —a sealed protective housing attached to the frame and having an opening to reveal a surface of the heat exchanger.