MEMS Mirror LIDAR Optical Scanning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR devices face limitations in mechanical defects such as wear and gaps due to mechanical rotation, making them unsuitable for direct application in autonomous driving and other applications requiring high reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device with an optical structure that scans space without mechanical rotation, utilizing a transmitter, lens sections, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror to adjust the optical signal path, ensuring high optical efficiency and durability, and allowing for a wide scan angle without mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical rotation is used to scan space, then scanning capability is achieved, but mechanical defects such as wear and gaps occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical scanning system using a reflector that can be tilted or rotated without direct mechanical connection to the light source. The transmitter and receiver remain stationary while the reflector adjusts the optical path to scan space, eliminating mechanical wear and gaps in the critical measurement components.
2Weight of moving object
If mechanical rotation components are included, then scanning function is provided, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves three-dimensional scanning capability by using a reflector that can tilt in multiple dimensions. Instead of rotating the entire transmitter-receiver assembly mechanically, the reflector redirects the optical path in different directions, providing wide scan angles while keeping the main device body compact and lightweight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical path adjustment is implemented, then scan angle is improved, but optical efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element between the transmitter and the target object. This reflector adjusts the optical path to achieve wide scan angles while maintaining high optical efficiency by using reflective surfaces with high reflectivity, minimizing light loss compared to other optical path adjustment methods.
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 provides a compact, lightweight, and durable LIDAR device with improved optical efficiency and scan angle capabilities, eliminating mechanical defects and enabling applications in vehicles and mobile systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens section configured to convert the optical signal into collimated light
Implementation Method 2
a reflector configured to adjust a direction of the converted optical signal
Implementation Method 3
a second lens section configured to allow the adjusted optical signal to have the same focal plane even though a reflection angle of the reflector is varied
Implementation Method 4
a third lens section configured to convert the optical signal passed through the second lens section into collimated light
Implementation Method 5
a fourth lens section configured to allow the optical signal, which has been passed through the third lens section and reflected from an object, to be passed therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology relates to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device can include a transmitter configured to emit an optical signal, a first lens section configured to convert the optical signal into collimated light, a reflector configured to adjust a direction of the converted optical signal, a second lens section configured to allow the adjusted optical signal to have the same focal plane even though a reflection angle of the reflector is varied and a third lens section configured to convert the optical signal passed through the second lens section into collimated light. The LIDAR device can also include a fourth lens section configured to allow the optical signal, and a receiver configured to receive the optical signal passed through the fourth lens section. The third lens section and the fourth lens section are positioned on the same line in a first direction.