LiDAR Rotating Platform Position Tracking Using Magnetic Fields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face inaccuracies in determining the rotation of a rotating portion due to contamination of optical components, which affects distance measurement and vehicle functionality.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a combination of magnets and magnetic field sensors to track the rotation of a rotating assembly, providing a contamination-resistant method for determining the azimuth angle and other operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical components (light emitter and photodetector) are used to track rotation, then rotation information can be obtained, but contaminants may enter the optical elements and hinder detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical tracking system (light emitter and photodetector) with a magnetic field-based tracking system using magnets and magnetic sensors. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to optical contaminants while maintaining the ability to track rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion of the LIDAR assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for tracking rotation. Instead of using direct optical detection that is blocked by contaminants, the magnetic field penetrates through the housing and contaminants to provide rotation information to the magnetic sensors on the first portion.
2Reliability
If optical components are used for rotation tracking, then the system can determine direction of light emission and detection, but the system becomes vulnerable to contamination that affects functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical detection system with a magnetic field detection system. The magnets are placed on the second portion and magnetic sensors on the first portion, creating a contactless tracking mechanism that is not affected by optical contaminants entering the LIDAR assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field tracking system creates an environment immune to optical contaminants. The magnetic field passes through the housing and any contaminants without being blocked or degraded, providing reliable rotation tracking regardless of the presence of particles or debris in the optical path.
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 magnetic field-based system offers accurate and reliable tracking of the rotating platform, enhancing the precision of distance measurements and overall vehicle navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor of the one or more sensors is a magnetic field sensor and the first magnet generates a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for improved short range object detection in LiDAR systems. The associated systems may include a first portion and a second portion configured to rotate relative to one another. The system may also include a first magnet located on the second portion and arranged with a north pole of the first magnet facing a first direction. The system may also include a second magnet located on the second portion and arranged with a south pole of the second magnet facing the first direction. The system may also include a first sensor located on the first portion, wherein the first sensor is further configured to measure a first magnetic field of the first magnet and a second magnetic field of the second magnet as the first portion and second portion rotate relative to one another.