LiDAR Transceiver Layout With Air-Guided Cooling and Low Optical Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor and LiDAR devices in autonomous vehicles face challenges with heat dissipation, aerodynamic drag, wind noise, and optical interference due to the integration of multiple transceivers, which affect performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a LiDAR device with a main frame containing transceiver assemblies, heat dissipation members on multiple sides, and air guides to direct airflow, along with transceivers oriented in opposite directions to minimize weight, drag, and noise, while preventing optical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers are integrated into the LiDAR device, then sensing coverage and functionality are improved, but heat generation and optical interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR device is divided into multiple independent transceiver modules, each with its own heat dissipation structure. The housing is segmented into multiple regions that can independently dissipate heat from different transceivers, allowing heat management to be localized and more effective for each heat-generating component.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation members are introduced as intermediary elements between the transceivers and the external environment. These members conduct heat away from the transceivers and transfer it to the surrounding air through the housing structure, acting as a thermal mediator that protects the sensitive optical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers are integrated into the LiDAR device, then sensing coverage and functionality are improved, but optical interference between transceivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the housing are designed with different optical properties. Certain areas are made transparent or translucent to allow laser beams to pass through, while other areas are opaque to block interference. Each transceiver region has localized optical characteristics optimized for its specific function, allowing multiple transceivers to operate without mutual interference.
3Reliability
If traditional cooling systems are used to mitigate environmental effects, then sensor performance is maintained, but device complexity and engineering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR device uses its own operational environment (ambient air flow) to cool itself. The housing structure passively facilitates heat dissipation by allowing air to flow through and around the heat dissipation members, eliminating the need for active cooling systems like fans or liquid cooling loops. The device serves its own cooling needs through its structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling mechanism utilizes pneumatic principles by harnessing ambient air flow to remove heat. The housing is designed with channels and openings that guide air flow through regions with high heat dissipation needs, using the kinetic energy of moving air to transfer heat away from the transceivers without requiring mechanical cooling components.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If transceivers are arranged to face opposite directions, then aerodynamic drag and wind noise are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceivers are positioned asymmetrically with respect to the housing structure, facing opposite directions at non-180-degree angles. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the aerodynamic profile of the rotating head, reducing drag and wind noise during rotation. The asymmetric design also provides manufacturing tolerance, as the precise angular relationships are defined by the housing structure rather than requiring ultra-precise transceiver mounting.
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 heat dissipation efficiency, reduces aerodynamic drag and wind noise, and prevents optical interference, improving the performance and reliability of the LiDAR device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat dissipation members disposed on side surfaces of the main frame, respectively, in which the plurality of heat dissipation members includes a plurality of vertically arranged heat dissipation fins
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipation members disposed on side surfaces of the main frame
Implementation Method 3
air guides that directs incoming airflow to windows on one or both sides of a housing
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of transceivers configured to emit and sense laser beams in different directions
Implementation Method 5
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) devices
Implementation Method 6
one or more photodetectors that convert other electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A lidar device disclosed in embodiments may comprise: a main frame within which an accommodation part is provided; a transceiver assembly which is disposed in the accommodation part and has a circuit board, a light source array, and a sensor array; a bottom frame which is disposed under the main frame; and a plurality of heat dissipation members which are disposed at the respective side surfaces of the main frame, the plurality of heat dissipation members comprising a plurality of vertically arranged heat dissipation fins and a plurality of curved air guides.