Laser Radar Mirror Assembly with Through-Hole for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser radar apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high beam splitting efficiency and accurate detection of object direction and distance due to the attenuation of laser beams through optical isolators, which complicates the design and increases the size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a mirror assembly with a through-hole and a reflecting surface, allowing the laser beam to pass through while reflecting the incoming beam to the photo detector, and uses a half-silvered mirror to split the beam for improved detection accuracy without the need for optical isolators, enabling efficient beam splitting and maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical isolator is used to separate outgoing and incoming light paths, then the laser beam can be transmitted and reflected effectively, but beam splitting efficiency is degraded and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical isolator from the system by using a beam splitter and separate detection paths. The outgoing light path and incoming light path are separated through the beam splitting mechanism rather than requiring an optical isolator, thus removing the source of attenuation while maintaining reliable light path separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions: it separates the outgoing and incoming light paths, directs the outgoing beam toward the measurement range, and redirects the reflected incoming beam to the photo detecting means. This multi-functionality replaces the need for both optical isolator and separate routing mechanisms, reducing overall apparatus complexity.
2Reliability
If a bigger mirror with larger mirror plate is used to enlarge effective photo-receiving area, then beam splitting efficiency is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves beam splitting efficiency by optimizing the angular distribution and spatial arrangement of the reflected light rather than increasing mirror area. The concave mirror focuses reflected light onto the photo detecting means, utilizing optical geometry and focal properties to achieve high efficiency with a compact mirror size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a concave mirror with specific focal length and curvature to concentrate reflected light. This parameter optimization allows efficient beam splitting and light concentration without requiring a larger mirror plate, maintaining compact apparatus size while achieving high detection efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the axes of outgoing light and incoming light are made identical with optical isolator on common axis, then coaxial structure is achieved, but attenuation occurs during transmission and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary element that enables coaxial arrangement of outgoing and incoming light paths without requiring an optical isolator. The beam splitter mediates the separation and routing of light beams, allowing the laser source and detector to be coaxially positioned while avoiding the attenuation problems associated with optical isolators.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an optical isolator to separate light paths (which causes attenuation), the patent inverts the approach by using a beam splitter that separates paths before they diverge from the common axis. This reversal of the separation mechanism eliminates the need for subsequent reflection through the isolator, thereby preventing energy loss.
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 configuration enhances beam splitting efficiency and detection accuracy while reducing the size of the laser radar apparatus, allowing for precise measurement of object direction and distance without the limitations of optical isolators.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror assembly further includes a through-hole and a reflecting surface. The through-hole pierces the mirror assembly being coaxial with the axis of the laser beam emitted from the laser beam generating means, and allows the laser beam emitted from the laser beam generating means to pass. The reflecting surface is arranged to be at a predetermined angle to the axis of the laser beam emitted from the laser beam generating means and reflects a reflected laser beam from the object toward the photo detecting means.
Implementation Method 2
uses a half-silvered mirror to split the beam for improved detection accuracy without the need for optical isolators, enabling efficient beam splitting and maintaining a compact size
Data Source
AI summary
A laser radar including laser beam generating means, photo detecting means, a mirror, light deflecting means, and rotation driving means. The laser beam generating means emits a laser beam having an axis thereof. The photo detecting means detects a reflected laser beam that is reflected back by an object. The mirror includes a through-hole that passes the laser beam and a reflecting surface that reflects a reflected laser beam reflected back by the object toward the photo detecting means. The light deflecting means deflects the laser beam toward a measuring region and reflects the reflected laser beam from the object toward the mirror. The rotation driving means rotates the light deflecting means so as to direct the laser beam toward the measuring region.