Lidar reflective fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dark-colored materials, such as fabrics, absorb both visible and near-IR electromagnetic radiation, leading to unsatisfactory performance in LiDAR-based obstacle detection and avoidance systems.
Innovation Solution
A composite material is developed, comprising a black pigment, such as CuO, integrated with a textile material. This composite material has a reflectivity of greater than or equal to 12% in the near-IR spectrum while maintaining less than or equal to 10% reflectivity in the visible spectrum, achieving a high blackness value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dark colored fabric is used to absorb visible electromagnetic radiation, then the fabric appears black and provides good visible light absorption, but the fabric also absorbs near-IR electromagnetic radiation which reduces LiDAR detection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum different interaction outcomes with the same material. The composite material is engineered to have high absorption in the visible spectrum (350-750 nm) while maintaining high reflection in the near-IR spectrum (750-2500 nm). This is achieved through specific pigment compositions and textile structures that selectively interact with different wavelengths, allowing the fabric to appear black to human eyes while remaining detectable by LiDAR systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple components with complementary properties. The composite consists of a textile base material integrated with specific pigments (such as carbon black combined with other compounds) that create the desired dual optical behavior. This composite structure enables the fabric to simultaneously achieve deep black appearance in visible light and high reflectivity in near-IR wavelengths, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and LiDAR detectability.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional black pigment is used to achieve pure black appearance, then visible light absorption is maximized, but near-IR reflection is insufficient for effective LiDAR detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical properties of the material through controlled variations in composition and structure. Specifically, the patent adjusts pigment concentration, particle size distribution, and chemical composition to achieve the desired spectral characteristics. By changing these parameters, the material transitions from conventional black pigments that absorb all wavelengths to a composite that selectively absorbs visible light while reflecting near-IR, thereby improving LiDAR detection without sacrificing black appearance.
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 composite material effectively reflects near-IR electromagnetic radiation, enhancing the detectability of dark-colored items by LiDAR systems without compromising their appearance as pure black.
Implementation Method 1
the composite material has a reflectivity toward near infrared electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from 800 nm to 2500 nm of greater than or equal to 12%, the composite material has a reflectivity toward visible light having a wavelength from 350 nm to 750 nm of less than or equal to 10%
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material having a black pigment and a textile material. The composite material has a reflectivity toward near infrared electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from 800 nm to 2500 nm of greater than or equal to 12%, and the composite material has a reflectivity toward visible light having a wavelength from 350 nm to 750 nm of less than or equal to 10%.