Hood-Mounted LiDAR Mirror Assembly for Wider Vehicle Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require improved LiDAR sensor mounting systems to enhance environmental scanning and obstacle detection, as existing systems may have limited field of view and vantage points, affecting navigation and collision avoidance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR mirror assembly is designed with a pivotable mirror and oblique support arms, allowing for a wider field of view and improved vantage point by mounting on the vehicle's hood, with a light-emitting diode (LED) and electrical connections through apertures in the base plate, enabling enhanced environmental scanning and real-time data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a LiDAR sensor is mounted on the vehicle using existing mounting systems, then the sensor can perform basic environmental scanning, but the field of view is limited and the vantage point is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by mounting the LiDAR sensor on the vehicle hood rather than the roof or bumper, elevating the sensor to a higher vertical position. This dimensional shift provides an unobstructed 360-degree horizontal field of view and improved vertical scanning capability, allowing the sensor to detect obstacles at greater distances and angles without the structural complexity of complex mechanical scanning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be universally applicable to different vehicle types and configurations. The adjustable support arm and positioning mechanisms allow the same mounting system to accommodate various LiDAR sensor models and vehicle hood shapes, providing both structural support and optimal scanning positioning without requiring vehicle-specific customizations
2Reliability
If the LiDAR sensor is positioned to maximize field of view, then environmental scanning capability is improved, but the sensor becomes more exposed to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective protection only where needed. The housing encloses the LiDAR sensor and electronic components while leaving the scanning aperture exposed. This localized approach protects the sensitive electronics and internal optics from environmental factors like rain and dust while maintaining an unobstructed field of view for the laser beams to scan the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary between the LiDAR sensor and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier that filters out harmful environmental factors while allowing the laser beams to pass through the scanning aperture. The housing design includes features like drainage holes and ventilation slots that mediate between protection and environmental interaction, preventing water accumulation while maintaining scanning capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If support arms are used to mount the housing to the base plate, then the assembly is stable, but the support arms may obstruct the sensor's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into separate functional components: support arms for structural stability, positioning mechanisms for precise alignment, and adjustment features for optimization. The support arms are segmented into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted, allowing the stable mounting structure to be configured away from the sensor's scanning path, thus eliminating field of view obstruction while maintaining assembly stability
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 LiDAR mirror assembly provides a broader, unobstructed field of view and improved scanning capabilities, enhancing the autonomous vehicle's navigation and collision avoidance systems by offering continuous real-time data on distances and obstacles, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor that uses light pulses to measure distances to various objects surrounding the autonomous vehicles
Implementation Method 2
a mirror pivotably coupled to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for a LiDAR mirror assembly mounted on a vehicle, such as an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. For example, a LiDAR mirror assembly may include a base plate mounted on a hood of a vehicle, where the base plate is coupled to one end of a support arm. The opposite end of the support arm is attached to a housing. The housing includes a top housing enclosure coupled to a bottom housing platform, where a sensor and a mirror is coupled to the housing, and where the sensor is at least partially exposed through an opening in the top housing enclosure. The opening for the sensor is situated near an end of the housing furthest away from the base plate.