Shock-Isolated LIDAR Mounting With IMU Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR sensors are insufficient for military applications due to inadequate protection against extreme environmental conditions such as impulse shock, blast overpressure, and vibration profiles, which can lead to sensor failure and pose risks in combat environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of ruggedized LIDAR sensor systems that include shock mounts for impulse shock isolation, inertial measurement units for relative motion compensation, and environmental shielding to protect against extreme temperatures, solar radiation, and electromagnetic interference, along with automated cleaning systems to maintain sensor integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LIDAR sensors are mounted outside the vehicle cabin to improve visibility, then sensing capability is enhanced, but the sensors become exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as precipitation, debris, temperature variations, shock, and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the LIDAR sensor from the vehicle body using an independent shock isolation mounting system. The sensor is mounted on a shock-isolated platform that is decoupled from the vehicle chassis, allowing the sensor to remain exposed for optimal sensing while being protected from mechanical shocks and vibrations through isolation elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard shock and vibration standards (IEC 60068, SAE J1211) are used for sensor protection, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the sensors cannot survive impulse shock and blast overpressure in battlefield environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements pre-configured shock isolation elements and blast protection structures that are built into the mounting system before deployment. These include shock-absorbing mounts, blast shields, and pressure equalization chambers that are designed in advance to protect against impulse shocks and blast overpressures exceeding standard military specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses composite structures combining multiple materials with different properties - such as flexible shock-absorbing materials, rigid protective shields, and pressure-resistant chambers - to create a multi-functional protection system that meets extreme military requirements while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Reliability
If shock mounts are used to isolate the LIDAR sensor from impulse shocks, then sensor protection is improved, but relative motion between the sensor and vehicle increases causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates inertial measurement units (IMUs) that continuously monitor the position and motion of the LIDAR sensor relative to the vehicle. This feedback information is used by a control system to calculate and apply real-time corrections to the detection data, compensating for relative motion and maintaining detection accuracy despite sensor isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary correction mechanism where IMUs and control algorithms act as mediators between the isolated sensor and the vehicle reference frame. The intermediary system measures relative motion and mathematically compensates for it in the detection data, bridging the gap between sensor isolation and measurement accuracy.
4Reliability
If the LIDAR sensor is protected from environmental conditions through shielding, then durability is improved, but the sensing interface may become contaminated requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-cleaning mechanisms for the sensor window or interface, such as integrated wipers, air blowers, or acoustic cleaning elements that automatically remove contaminants without requiring manual intervention. The cleaning system is activated based on detected contamination levels or operating conditions, maintaining sensing capability while protecting the sensor.
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 solution ensures reliable operation of LIDAR sensors in harsh environments by isolating them from impulse shocks, compensating for relative motion, and protecting against environmental stressors, thereby enhancing their durability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The shock mount can be constructed to couple the EMR DAR device to a vehicle and to isolate the EMR DAR device from impulse shocks experienced by the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The one or more first IMUs can be coupled to the EMR DAR device or a first portion of the shock mount, and the one or more first IMUs can be configured to measure movement of the EMR DAR device
Implementation Method 3
The controller can comprise one or more processors and computer readable storage media storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to adjust data of the EMR DAR device indicative of the detected one or more features in the surrounding environment based at least in part on the movement measured by the one or more first IMUs
Data Source
AI summary
A system can have an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) detection and ranging (DAR) device, such as a LIDAR device. A shock mount can couple the EMR DAR device to a vehicle. The shock mount can isolate the EMR DAR device from impulse shocks experienced by the vehicle. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) can be coupled to the EMR DAR device or a first portion of the shock mount. The IMU can measure movement of the EMR DAR device. Alternatively or additionally, the EMR DAR can detect locations of a reference feature of the vehicle at different times and can use the detected locations to determine movement of the EMR DAR relative to the vehicle. Data of the EMR DAR device indicative of detected features can be adjusted based at least in part on the movement measured by the IMU.