LiDAR Transceiver Layout for Low-Drag Cooling and Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LiDAR devices face challenges in providing a compact, lightweight, and aerodynamically efficient design that minimizes wind noise and optical interference while ensuring robust component mounting, adequate cooling, and sufficient sealing from external elements.

Innovation Solution

A LiDAR device with a main frame housing multiple transceivers that emit and sense laser beams in different directions, arranged in opposite directions to reduce weight and aerodynamic drag, and featuring a rigid structure with modular components for cooling and sealing, along with heat dissipation members on side surfaces to prevent optical interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If multiple transceivers are arranged in opposite directions, then weight and aerodynamic drag are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LiDAR device is segmented into multiple independent transceiver assemblies, each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to reduce weight by removing unnecessary components while maintaining functionality through distributed transceivers positioned in opposite directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transceiver functions are merged into a compact housing structure with integrated mounting frames. The opposing transceivers share common structural support and control systems, reducing overall device complexity despite the distributed arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transceivers are arranged in opposite directions, then aerodynamic drag and wind noise are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transceivers are positioned asymmetrically in opposite directions to optimize aerodynamic flow patterns around the device. This asymmetric arrangement reduces wind noise and drag while the modular housing design maintains ease of manufacture through standardized assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it protects the transceivers, provides aerodynamic shielding, and facilitates heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex opposing arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a rigid structure with modular components is used, then component mounting and sealing are improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mountingVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Modular components are nested within the rigid housing structure, with transceivers, cooling elements, and sealing components arranged in concentric or hierarchical configurations. This nesting approach provides robust mounting and sealing while minimizing the overall structural mass required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid structure employs local reinforcement only where needed for mounting and sealing critical components, rather than uniformly increasing overall structural weight. Modular sections are designed with optimized material distribution to provide strength where required while minimizing weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Temperature

If heat dissipation members are added to side surfaces, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Heat dissipation members are pre-integrated into the housing structure during manufacturing, rather than added as separate components. This preliminary integration approach improves heat dissipation from the transceivers while avoiding the complexity of additional assembly steps for thermal management components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipation function is merged with the existing housing and mounting structure. Thermal pathways are incorporated into the rigid framework that already provides mechanical support, eliminating the need for separate heat dissipation components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves miniaturization, reduces weight and wind noise, improves heat dissipation, and prevents optical interference, while ensuring robust component mounting and sealing, enhancing the sensing efficiency of surrounding areas.

Implementation Method 1

heat dissipation members in the external housing to absorb and release heat generated by the transceivers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat dissipation members in the external housing to absorb and release heat generated by the transceivers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a first transceiver configured to emit and sense a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 4

at least one photodetector that converts other electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4579272A1Sensor device, lidar device, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4579272A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4579272A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4579272A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A lidar device disclosed in embodiments may comprise: a main frame within which an accommodation part is provided; a plurality of transceivers which are disposed in the accommodation part, emit laser beams toward an object in different directions respectively, and sense laser beams reflected from the object respectively; and a bottom frame under the main frame.