Integrated Optical Module for LiDAR Alignment Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning LiDAR systems require complex optical systems with multiple lenses, leading to increased alignment costs and complexity due to the need for precise alignment of multiple components.
Innovation Solution
An integrated light transmission/reception optical system module with a light receiving lens having an optical path groove and a light transmitting mirror disposed within, allowing for simplified alignment and efficient light transmission and reception, utilizing a rotating reflective mirror unit for 360-degree scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lenses are used in the optical system, then light transmission and reception functions are achieved, but alignment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light transmitting lens and light receiving lens into a single integrated optical component. The light receiving lens has a first surface for receiving light and a second surface for transmitting light, eliminating the need for separate transmitting and receiving lenses. This merging reduces the number of alignment operations from multiple lens alignments to a single integrated component alignment, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving light transmission/reception functions and reducing alignment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component serves multiple functions: it acts as both a light transmitting lens and a light receiving lens. The first surface receives light while the second surface transmits light, allowing a single component to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate lenses. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and alignment requirements while maintaining the necessary optical functions
2Device complexity
If the number of lenses is reduced, then alignment cost decreases, but optical system functionality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the light transmitting and receiving functions into a single integrated lens component, the patent reduces the number of alignment operations required while preserving both optical functions. The integrated component maintains the necessary light receiving and transmitting capabilities through its dual-surface design, ensuring optical functionality is not compromised by the reduction in component count
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical component is segmented into distinct functional surfaces: a first surface for light reception and a second surface for light transmission. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function while being part of a single integrated component, maintaining optical functionality while reducing alignment complexity
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 simplifies the optical system structure, reduces alignment costs, and enhances directing efficiency by integrating the light transmission and reception components, enabling easy alignment and 360-degree scanning without additional directing elements.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting mirror disposed within the optical path groove, located on a path of the pulse laser, and reflecting in a front direction the pulse laser outputted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving lens receiving light, concentrating the received light on a light detector disposed at a rear position
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an integrated light transmission/reception optical system module includes a light receiving lens, a light source, and a light transmitting mirror. The light receiving lens receives light, concentrates the received light on a light detector disposed at a rear position, and has an optical path groove formed to be directed from a circumference to a central portion and formed to expose a front side. The light source outputs a pulse laser along the optical path groove from the circumference of the light receiving lens toward the central portion of the light receiving lens. The light transmitting mirror is disposed within the optical path groove, is located on a path of the pulse laser, and reflects in a front direction the pulse laser outputted from the light source. Other embodiments are also possible.