LIDAR Rotating Platform Position Tracking Using Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face inaccuracies in determining the rotation of a rotating portion due to contamination issues in optical components used for tracking rotation, leading to suboptimal distance information.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a combination of magnets and magnetic field sensors to track the rotation of a rotating assembly, which is less susceptible to contaminants, by arranging magnets with alternating polarities and using Hall effect sensors to measure magnetic fields.
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 which hinders detection and emission capabilities
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 contamination while maintaining the ability to track rotation position and determine direction of light emissions.
2Loss of information
If optical components are used for rotation tracking, then direction information can be obtained, but contaminants hinder the ability to detect emitter light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical detection with magnetic field detection. Magnets are placed on the rotating portion and magnetic sensors on the fixed portion, allowing rotation tracking without optical elements that are susceptible to contamination from dirt, moisture, or other environmental factors.
3Measurement precision
If a light emitter continuously emits light at a given rate, then the photodetector can determine when the light emitter is at the location of the photodetector, but this optical system is susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous light emission and detection system with a magnetic field sensing system. Magnets mounted on the rotating portion generate magnetic fields that are detected by magnetic sensors on the fixed portion, providing position information without the reliability issues of optical systems in contaminated environments.
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
Provides accurate and reliable tracking of the rotating platform's position and operational parameters, enhancing the precision of distance measurements in LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
arranging magnets with alternating polarities and using Hall effect sensors to measure magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
using Hall effect sensors to measure magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR assembly including a first portion and a second portion configured to rotate relative to one another, a first magnet located on the second portion and arranged with a north pole of the first magnet facing a first direction, a second magnet located on the second portion and arranged with a south pole of the second magnet facing the first direction, 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, and a center rod extending between the first portion and the second portion, the center rod including a power cable connected to a printed circuit board located on the second portion.