Light Emission Module for Wide-Angle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving a wider viewing angle and adjustable scanned range due to mechanical vulnerabilities and the complexity of integrating multiple systems for 360-degree horizontal scanning.
Innovation Solution
A light emission module and wide angle scanning system that incorporates a laser source, beam steering element, focusing lens set, imaging fiber bundle set, and expansion lens sets to split and distribute laser beams across multiple scanning directions, achieving a wider scan angle and adjustable range without the need for multiple LiDAR sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple LiDAR systems are integrated to achieve 360-degree horizontal scanning, then the viewing angle is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into multiple scanning ranges by using an imaging fiber bundle set with multiple branch elements. Each branch element is oriented to a specific scanning direction and works with corresponding expansion lens sets to cover different angular ranges. This segmentation allows a single LiDAR system to achieve wide-angle scanning without integrating multiple complete LiDAR systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining a broad viewing angle.
2Area of stationary object
If mechanical rotation shaft is used for 360-degree horizontal beam scanning, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the reliability decreases due to vulnerability to mechanical shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation shaft system with an optical-based beam steering element and imaging fiber bundle set. The beam steering element directs laser beams to different scanning ranges without mechanical rotation, and the imaging fiber bundle set with multiple branch elements distributes beams to different directions. This substitution eliminates vulnerable mechanical moving parts while achieving comprehensive scanning coverage, thereby improving reliability against mechanical shocks.
3Area of stationary object
If wide-angle lenses are used in semi-solid or solid LiDAR systems, then the viewing angle is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to splicing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional lens splicing approach to a three-dimensional optical path distribution approach using an imaging fiber bundle set. Instead of splicing multiple wide-angle lenses in the same plane, the system uses multiple branch elements extending in different spatial directions, each oriented to a specific scanning direction. This dimensional change allows for more flexible optical path management and reduces the stringent precision requirements associated with lens splicing.
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 system effectively achieves a wider scan angle and adjustable scanned range, enhancing the performance of LiDAR systems while reducing mechanical vulnerabilities and integration complexities.
Implementation Method 1
The beam steering element is configured for receiving the laser beam and further for splitting the laser beam into at least two laser beams
Implementation Method 2
The at least two laser beams are focused on the receiving element by the focusing lens set
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of expansion lens sets are disposed individually corresponding to the plurality of branch elements and configured for receiving the laser beam emitted from one of the plurality of branch elements and further controlling the laser beam correspondingly to have a spread angle and an expanding angle
Data Source
AI summary
A light emission module includes a laser source, a beam steering element, a focusing lens set, an imaging fiber bundle set, and expansion lens sets. The beam steering element splits a received laser beam into at least two laser beams to the focusing lens set. The imaging fiber bundle set includes a receiving element and branch elements, which the branch elements are individually connected to the receiving element, distributed disposing, and oriented to individual desired scanning directions. The focusing lens set is disposed between the beam steering element and the receiving element. The at least two laser beams are focused on the receiving element and emitted through one of the branch elements. The expansion lens sets, disposed individually corresponding to the branch elements, receives the laser beam emitted from the branch elements and further controls the laser beam to have a spread angle and an expanding angle.