LiDAR Lens Assembly Flexure Scanning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems require complex mechanisms for scanning laser beams across a field of view, which can be cumbersome and prone to mechanical strain, limiting their robustness and ease of alignment.
Innovation Solution
A scanning LiDAR system where the lens assembly is flexibly coupled to a base frame, allowing it to be scanned laterally in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis while the optoelectronic assembly remains fixed, using a flexure assembly and driving mechanism to maintain optical conjugation without moving electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating LiDAR sensor assembly or scanning mirror is used to scan laser beams across a field of view, then the laser beam can be directed to various directions, but the system becomes mechanically complex and prone to mechanical strain
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the laser source or scanning mirror to direct the beam, this patent moves the lens assembly while keeping the laser source and detector fixed. The lens assembly is flexibly coupled to allow lateral movement in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, inverting the conventional approach where the light source moves rather than the optical element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning mechanisms (rotating assemblies, scanning mirrors) with a flexible coupling system that allows lateral movement of the lens assembly through minimal mechanical intervention, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining beam scanning capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire LiDAR sensor assembly is rotated to scan the field of view, then beam direction can be changed, but mechanical strain increases and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR system is segmented into fixed components (laser source, detector, base frame) and a movable component (lens assembly). Only the lens assembly is laterally displaced through flexible coupling, while the optoelectronic assembly remains stationary, reducing mechanical strain on electrical connections and improving robustness
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than rotating the entire assembly or moving the light source, the patent inverts the approach by moving the lens assembly laterally while keeping the laser source and detector fixed, thereby avoiding mechanical strain on electrical connections and improving system reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If scanning mechanisms are implemented, then laser beams can be scanned across the field of view, but alignment becomes more difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies alignment by inverting the conventional approach: instead of moving the laser source or detector which require precise alignment with the scanning mechanism, the lens assembly is moved laterally while the optoelectronic assembly remains fixed and optically conjugate, greatly simplifying alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling of the lens assembly allows it to be positioned and maintained in the correct optical relationship with the fixed laser source and detector, with the system self-aligning through the flexible connection that accommodates lateral movement while maintaining optical conjugation
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 the robustness and ease of alignment by eliminating the need for moving electrical connections and allows for efficient scanning with reduced mechanical stress, improving the overall operation of the LiDAR system.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexure assembly flexibly coupling the lens assembly to the base frame. The first flexure assembly is configured such that the one or more laser sources and the one or more photodetectors are positioned substantially at the focal plane of the one or more lenses. The first flexure assembly is further configured to be flexed so as to scan the lens assembly laterally
Implementation Method 2
The optoelectronic assembly includes one or more laser sources and one or more photodetectors... emitting, using the first laser source, a plurality of laser pulses... detecting, using the first photodetector, the plurality of laser pulses reflected off of the one or more objects
Implementation Method 3
The one or more lenses have a focal plane... positioned substantially at the focal plane of the one or more lenses
Implementation Method 4
determining, using a processor, a time of flight for each laser pulse of the plurality of laser pulses; and constructing a three-dimensional image of the one or more objects based on the times of flight
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning LiDAR system includes a base frame, an optoelectronic assembly, and a lens assembly. The optoelectronic assembly includes one or more laser sources and one or more photodetectors, and is fixedly attached to the base frame. The lens assembly includes one or more lenses. The one or more lenses have a focal plane. The scanning LiDAR system further includes a first flexure assembly flexibly coupling the lens assembly to the base frame. The first flexure assembly is configured such that the one or more laser sources and the one or more photodetectors are positioned substantially at the focal plane of the one or more lenses. The first flexure assembly is further configured to be flexed so as to scan the lens assembly laterally in a plane substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the emission lens.