Scanning LiDAR Optics With Opposed Motion for Vibration Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning lidar sensors are susceptible to external and internal vibrations, which can impair their performance and stability in applications such as autonomous vehicles and drones.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scanning lidar system with a lens assembly and an electro-optic assembly that are translated in opposite directions to cancel out vibrations, using vibration-isolation mounts and active vibration management systems, including sensors and actuators for feedback and feedforward compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning lidar sensors are used to achieve high angular resolutions, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to external and internal vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by translating the lens assembly and electro-optic assembly in opposite directions. When the lens assembly moves in one direction, the electro-optic assembly moves in the opposite direction, creating counterbalancing forces that cancel out vibrations and stabilize the system during scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled mechanical vibration by intentionally translating the lens and electro-optic assemblies in opposite directions to generate counter-vibrations. This active vibration management uses the scanning mechanism itself to create compensating vibrations that cancel harmful external and internal vibrations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vibration-isolation mounts and active vibration management systems are added, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibration isolation function with the existing scanning mechanism by translating the lens assembly and electro-optic assembly in opposite directions during normal scanning operations. This integration allows the scanning system to simultaneously perform its primary function and active vibration compensation without adding separate complex vibration isolation subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own scanning mechanism to provide vibration compensation. The lens and electro-optic assemblies serve dual purposes: performing the scanning function while simultaneously generating counter-vibrations to stabilize the system, making the system self-compensating without external intervention.
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 approach minimizes net vibrations, stabilizes three-dimensional imaging, and enhances the performance of scanning lidar systems by reducing the impact of external and internal vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
collimating and directing, using the first lens, the laser pulse towards one or more objects
Implementation Method 2
receiving and focusing, using the second lens, the portion of the laser pulse reflected off of the one or more objects to the first photodetector
Implementation Method 3
emitting, using the first laser source, a laser pulse
Implementation Method 4
detecting, using the first photodetector, the portion of the laser pulse
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanning lidar system includes a fixed frame, a first platform flexibly attached to the fixed frame, a lens assembly including a first lens and a second lens mounted on the first platform, a second platform flexible attached to the fixed frame, an electro-optic assembly including a first laser source and a first photodetector mounted on the second platform, a drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the first platform and the second platform and configured to translate the first platform and the second platform with respect to the fixed frame, and a controller coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to translate the first platform to a plurality of first positions through the drive mechanism and translate the second platform to a plurality of second positions through the drive mechanism such that a motion of the second platform is substantially opposite to a motion of the first platform.