Lateral Multi-Polygon LiDAR Scanner Height Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems designed for vehicles face challenges in achieving a low profile while maintaining scanning performance, as the vertical height is difficult to reduce due to the stacking of optical scanning elements, and high polygon rotation speeds lead to increased power consumption, heat generation, and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile LiDAR design utilizing multiple polygon scanners arranged laterally, with the transceiver placed side-by-side, allowing for reduced overall height, increased scanline coverage, and improved performance by operating each scanner at a lower speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple polygon scanners are stacked vertically to increase scanline coverage, then the scanning performance is improved, but the vertical height of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking to lateral arrangement of polygon scanners, changing the spatial dimension from vertical (height) to horizontal (width). Multiple polygon scanners are positioned side-by-side in a lateral configuration, allowing the system to achieve increased scanline coverage without increasing vertical height, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and length.
2Productivity
If polygon rotation speed is increased to improve scanning performance, then the scanline density is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent polygon scanners operating in parallel. Instead of requiring a single scanner to rotate at high speed to achieve sufficient scanline density, the system uses multiple scanners that can operate at lower, more efficient speeds while collectively providing the required scanline density through their combined output.
3Productivity
If polygon rotation speed is increased to improve scanning performance, then the scanline density is improved, but reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function across multiple polygon scanners, allowing each individual scanner to operate at lower rotation speeds that enhance reliability. The distributed architecture means that if one scanner experiences issues, others can continue operating, further improving overall system reliability while maintaining required scanline density through the collective capability of all scanners.
4Device complexity
If a single large polygon scanner is used to cover the required FOV, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vertical height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by arranging multiple polygon scanners laterally side-by-side rather than stacking them vertically. This dimensional change allows the system to cover the required field of view using multiple smaller scanners without increasing vertical height, while the modular lateral configuration actually simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to designing and manufacturing a single large complex scanner.
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 enables a compact LiDAR system with enhanced scanning performance, reduced power consumption, and increased scanline density, while minimizing aerodynamic drag and intrusion into vehicle design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of the plurality of optical polygon elements and the one or more moveable reflective elements form one or more light steering devices operative to scan one or more field-of-views of the LiDAR system
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system used with a moveable platform is provided. The LiDAR scanning system comprises one or more light sources; and one or more optical core assemblies optically coupled to the one or more light sources. At least one optical core assembly of the one or more optical core assemblies comprises: an optical core assembly enclosure at least partially disposed in the moveable platform; a plurality of optical polygon elements, and one or more moveable reflective elements. The combination of the plurality of optical polygon elements and the one or more moveable reflective elements form one or more light steering devices operative to scan one or more field-of-views of the LiDAR system. The plurality of optical polygon elements, the one or more moveable reflective elements, and at least one of transmitting and receiving optics are disposed within the optical core assembly enclosure.