LIDAR Device with Rotating Diverging and Converging Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR devices face challenges in efficiently scanning light beams in various directions due to the large volume required for optical phased arrays and potential errors in phase modulation, as well as the need for multiple light sources and mechanical rotation methods.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device design that includes a diverging member with an asymmetrical reflective surface rotating about a central axis, a converging member with a fisheye lens, and a processor to determine object location, allowing for omnidirectional scanning without the need for multiple light sources or constant mechanical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical phased array (OPA) method is used to scan light beams, then light beam direction can be changed electrically or thermally, but the overall volume required is large and errors may occur in modulating phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical OPA system with a simpler optical system consisting of a single light source, diverging member with reflective surface, and converging member. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple waveguides and phase modulators, significantly reducing volume while maintaining electrical control capability through the rotating diverging member.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional components: a light source for generating beams, a diverging member with asymmetric reflective surface for beam distribution, and a converging member for focusing reflected beams. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity and volume compared to the integrated OPA structure.
2Ease of operation
If optical phased array (OPA) method is used to scan light beams, then light beam direction can be changed electrically or thermally, but errors may occur in modulating phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates phase modulation entirely by replacing the complex OPA phase control mechanism with a geometric optical system. The beam direction is controlled through the physical rotation of the diverging member's reflective surface, which naturally directs beams without requiring precise electronic phase modulation, thereby eliminating phase modulation errors.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical rotation method is used to scan light beams, then light beam direction can be changed, but the structure becomes complex and alignment must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of beam divergence and directional control into a single rotating diverging member with an asymmetric reflective surface. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms and reduces structural complexity compared to traditional mechanical scanning systems that require multiple independently aligned components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverging member features an asymmetric reflective surface specifically designed to diverge light beams in predetermined patterns. This asymmetric geometry allows the single rotating component to perform both divergence and directional scanning functions, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining scanning capability without complex alignment requirements.
4Ease of operation
If multiple light sources are used to provide light beams to respective waveguides, then light beam scanning can be achieved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single light source universal by combining it with the rotating diverging member. The same light source generates beams that are then directed in multiple directions through the rotation of the diverging member, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated light sources for different waveguides and reducing both quantity and complexity.
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
Enables efficient omnidirectional scanning with reduced size and complexity, improving durability and accuracy by determining object direction, height, and distance based on the rotation angle and detection time, without requiring constant alignment of light sources and detectors.
Implementation Method 1
a diverging member comprising a reflective surface configured to diverge the first light beam in various directions by rotating about a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
a converging member comprising an optical element comprising at least one of a refractive or reflective material configured to converge the second light beam from the object
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector configured to detect a second light beam, the second light beam being a reflected or scattered light beam of the first light beam reflected or scattered by an object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device includes: a light source configured to emit a first light beam; a photodetector configured to detect a second light beam, the second light beam being a reflected or scattered light beam of the first light beam reflected or scattered by an object; a diverging member comprising a reflective material configured to diverge the first light beam in various directions by rotating about a rotation axis; and a converging member including an optical element including one or more of a refractive and/or reflective material configured to converge the second light beam from the object and configured to cause the second light beam to be incident on the photodetector.