Laser Scanner Receiver Shutdown Mode for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanners in motor vehicles face high power consumption and heat generation, leading to reduced sensitivity at high ambient temperatures and impaired measurement accuracy due to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shutdown operating mode for the receiver components during transmission pauses, using a control device to temporarily disconnect components from the supply voltage based on actual temperature, ensuring the photodetectors reach their optimal operating temperature quickly and maintain sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the receiver components are continuously supplied with electrical energy, then the photodetectors can maintain optimal sensitivity, but the power consumption and heat generation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is operated periodically rather than continuously - it is activated during measurement cycles when laser beams are transmitted and switched off during transmission pauses. This periodic operation reduces power consumption and heat generation while maintaining measurement capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The operating state of the receiver is dynamically adjusted based on the measurement cycle phase. The receiver transitions between active and inactive states according to whether laser transmission is occurring, optimizing the balance between sensitivity and energy consumption
2Temperature
If cooling measures are taken to reduce temperature, then heat generation is managed, but the sensitivity of the photodetector is significantly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous cooling, the system uses periodic operation where the receiver is activated only during measurement cycles. This allows the photodetector to operate at optimal temperature during active measurement while minimizing heat generation during idle periods, eliminating the need for continuous cooling measures
3Use of energy by moving object
If the receiver is switched off during transmission pauses, then energy consumption is reduced, but the temperature control of photodetectors becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the actual temperature of the photodetector and uses this feedback to control the switching behavior. When the setpoint temperature is reached or exceeded, the receiver is switched off during transmission pauses to maintain temperature control while saving energy
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 approach reduces energy consumption and heat generation, allowing reliable operation at high temperatures while maintaining maximum sensitivity by optimizing the operating temperature of photodetectors.
Implementation Method 1
A laser scanner works according to the time-of-flight principle, with a transmitter sending electromagnetic beams (laser pulses) into the surroundings of the motor vehicle within a scanning angle range
Implementation Method 2
An optical receiver has at least one photodetector for receiving reflected beams and for providing an electrical reception signal dependent on the reflected beams
Implementation Method 3
Laser-based systems, also known as 'Lidar' ('Light detection and ranging'), are used for optical distance and speed measurement
Implementation Method 4
The emitted electromagnetic beams (short laser pulses) are deflected by a swiveling mirror in such a way that the entire field of view is scanned within the scanning angle range
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a scanning optoelectronic detection device, in particular a laser scanner, and to a method for operating such a detection device. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such a detection device 1. Electromagnetic beams are emitted by means of an optical transmitter within individual measurement cycles for a plurality of scanning angles within a scanning angle range, with a transmission pause of a specific duration occurring after each measurement cycle. Beams reflected in the environment are received by means of at least one photodetector 15 of an optical receiver 11, and an electrical reception signal 17 is provided depending on the reflected beams 12.In order to provide the greatest possible sensitivity of the detection device with the lowest possible energy consumption, an electrical supply voltage for the receiver is provided according to the invention by means of a voltage supply device, wherein a switching device 24 in a switching operating mode temporarily disconnects at least one component of the receiver 11 from the supply voltage UV and a control device 25 acts on the switching device 24 taking into account the actual temperature of a component of the detection device 1.