LiDAR Optical Component Retention Using Spring-Loaded Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

LiDAR systems face challenges in maintaining precise optical alignment and easy retention of optical components, such as lenses, filters, and beam splitters, due to the need for precise optical alignment and the difficulty in removing and replacing components without damaging them or using adhesives.

Innovation Solution

The use of a housing with a plurality of slots and posts, where identical springs are coupled to the posts to exert clamping forces on optical components, allowing for secure retention without adhesives, enabling easy insertion and removal of optical components while maintaining precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesives are used to secure optical components, then retention strength is improved, but ease of repair and component replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention strengthVSAvoidease of component replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives with a mechanical retention system using springs and slots. The springs provide retainment force through physical contact and elastic deformation, allowing components to be securely held without chemical adhesives, while enabling easy removal and replacement by simply releasing the spring pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If optical components are tightly secured to maintain alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical alignment precisionVSAvoidease of component insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic spring elements that can adapt to component insertion and removal operations. The springs are designed with appropriate clearance and travel range, allowing components to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining precise alignment when secured. The elastic nature of the springs provides a dynamic retention force that is strong enough for precision but flexible enough for easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different springs are used for different optical components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different optical componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of spring variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal spring type that can be used across multiple slots for different optical components. The springs are configured with standardized dimensions and attachment methods, allowing a single spring design to serve multiple functions in retaining different types of optical components (lenses, filters, beam splitters) within the same housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures precise optical alignment and easy maintenance of LiDAR systems by allowing optical components to be securely retained and easily replaced, enhancing the durability and reliability of the system without damaging the components or using adhesives.

Implementation Method 1

a first spring of a plurality of springs coupled to a first post of the plurality of posts at a first radial orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing so that the first spring extends into a first slot of the plurality of slots... the first spring exerts a first clamping force in order to retain the first optical component within the first slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12253628B2Methods and apparatuses for improved optical component retention and alignment in a LiDAR system

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 BEIJING VOYAGER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A LiDAR system may include an optical component module including a housing including a plurality of slots and a plurality of posts. A first spring may be coupled to a first post at a first radial orientation so that the first spring extends into a first slot of the plurality of slots. A second identical spring may be coupled to a second post in a second radial orientation, different than the first radial orientation, so that the second spring extends into a second slot of the plurality of slots. A first optical component may be positioned in the first slot so that the first spring exerts a first clamping force retaining the first optical component within the first slot, and a second optical component may be positioned in the second slot so that the second spring exerts a second clamping force retaining the second optical component within the second slot.