Ladar Array With Piezoelectric Actuation For Field Of View Expansion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LADAR systems with larger fields of view are complex, expensive, and difficult to repair, and the time-consuming nature of rotating laser sources limits their efficiency in acquiring backscatter information.

Innovation Solution

A LADAR array comprising multiple LADAR modules with actuation units that allow for fine-tuned orientation adjustments, enabling increased field of view and image resolution without the need for complex mechanical modifications, using piezoelectric elements and voltage control circuits to modify the orientation of each module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a rotating laser source is used to increase field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the LADAR system into multiple independent LADAR modules, each with its own laser source and detection components. Each module operates independently to scan a portion of the field of view, eliminating the need for a single complex rotating laser source. The modules are arranged to cover the desired total field of view through their individual scanning ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating gimbal system with a solid-state solution using multiple fixed LADAR modules. Instead of mechanically rotating a single laser source, the system uses multiple stationary modules that collectively provide the extended field of view through their spatial arrangement and individual scanning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If a rotating laser source is used to increase field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the time to acquire backscatter information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidtime to acquire backscatter information

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the field of view coverage among multiple LADAR modules that operate simultaneously. While a single rotating laser source must sequentially scan the entire field of view, the multiple modules can scan their respective portions in parallel, significantly reducing the total time required to acquire backscatter information across the extended field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous scanning operation across the entire field of view through multiple simultaneously operating LADAR modules. While one module is scanning, others are also scanning their respective fields, creating continuous coverage without the sequential delays inherent in rotating single-source systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If a rotating laser source is used to increase field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the repair difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidrepair difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into multiple independent LADAR modules, each with its own laser source and detection components. This modular architecture allows individual modules to be independently accessed, diagnosed, and replaced without affecting the entire system. If one module fails, the others continue to operate, simplifying repair procedures compared to a single integrated rotating source system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic reconfiguration capability where the system can adapt its operational mode based on module availability. When modules fail or are under maintenance, the system can dynamically adjust which modules are active and how they are arranged, providing flexibility in repair and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a cost-effective and efficient method to increase the total field of view and image resolution of LADAR systems by aligning and overlapping the fields of view of multiple modules, reducing complexity and improving repairability.

Implementation Method 1

using piezoelectric elements and voltage control circuits to modify the orientation of each module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10795000B2Laser distance and ranging (LADAR) apparatus, array, and method of assembling thereof

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A laser distance and ranging (LADAR) apparatus is provided. The LADAR apparatus includes a first substrate, a LADAR module coupled to the first substrate, and an actuation unit coupled between the first substrate and the LADAR module. The LADAR module is configured to scan with a predetermined field of view in a first viewing position from said LADAR module, and the actuation unit is selectively operable to modify an orientation of the LADAR module such that the predetermined field of view moves from the first viewing position towards a second viewing position from the LADAR module.