Galvo Mirror Assembly for Compact 3D LiDAR Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving a large collection aperture while maintaining a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a galvo mirror assembly with a mirror attached to a galvanometer armature, permanent magnets, and a coil to move the armature, allowing for a large collection aperture within a compact device form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large collection aperture is implemented, then light collection capability is improved, but device size and depth increase
Solution Approach 1:
The galvo mirror assembly places the coil and permanent magnets nested behind the mirror surface, allowing the actuation system components to be contained within the space occupied by the mirror itself. This nesting arrangement enables a large collection aperture while maintaining a compact device form factor, as the components that would normally add depth are instead integrated into the mirror's own spatial envelope.
2Area of stationary object
If a large collection aperture is implemented, then light collection capability is improved, but actuation system depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a conventional front-mounted actuation system to a rear-mounted system where the coil and permanent magnets are positioned behind the mirror surface. This dimensional repositioning allows the collection aperture to achieve large area without increasing the front-to-back depth of the device, as the actuation components are pushed into the optical path depth dimension rather than extending it.
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 enables a mechanically-scanning 3D LiDAR system with a large collection aperture, maintaining a compact size and minimizing the depth of the actuation system behind the mirror, thus enhancing the overall device form factor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coil configured to carry a current to move the armature
Implementation Method 2
at least one permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
a mirror attached to an armature of a galvanometer to reflect a light signal generated by a light generator
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described and claimed herein provide a mechanically-scanning 3-dimensional light detection and ranging (3D LiDAR) system including a galvo mirror attached to an armature of a galvanometer to reflect a light signal generated by a light generator, the galvanometer comprising at least one permanent magnet, at least one coil configured to carry current to move the armature, wherein the galvo mirror is configured to reflect the light signal generated by the light generator towards a one or more objects and the galvo mirror is further configured to reflect light signal reflected from the one or more objects towards a light detector.