MEMS Mirror LIDAR Optical Scanning Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR devices with mechanical rotation face limitations due to mechanical defects such as abrasion and gaps, making them unsuitable for applications like autonomous driving, and they lack enhanced optical efficiency, durability, and the ability to scan spaces without mechanical movement.
Innovation Solution
An LIDAR device with an optical configuration that includes a transmission unit, lens units, and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror for adjusting the reflection angle, allowing for optical scanning without mechanical rotation, enhancing optical efficiency and durability, and enabling a small, lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical rotation is used for scanning, then scanning function is achieved, but mechanical defects such as abrasion and gaps occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical scanning system using a polygonal mirror and laser beam deflection. The polygonal mirror rotates at high speed to deflect the laser beam across the scanning area, eliminating the need for large mechanical moving parts and reducing mechanical wear and gaps while maintaining the scanning function.
2Reliability
If optical configuration is used for scanning, then mechanical defects are reduced, but optical efficiency needs to be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (transmission unit, polygonal mirror, receiving unit, and lens system) into an integrated optical scanning system where the laser beam passes through the transmission unit, reflects off the polygonal mirror, and is focused by the lens onto the receiving unit. This merging of components optimizes the optical path and enhances overall optical efficiency.
3Weight of moving object
If conventional LIDAR design is used, then basic scanning function is achieved, but size and weight are reduced with new optical configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LIDAR system into distinct functional modules: transmission unit for laser emission, polygonal mirror for beam deflection, lens system for focusing, and receiving unit for detection. This segmentation allows for optimized component selection and arrangement, reducing overall system weight while maintaining scanning 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
The solution improves optical efficiency, reduces mechanical defects, and allows for 360-degree scanning without mechanical rotation, making it suitable for applications like autonomous driving with enhanced durability and compact size.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection unit configured to adjust a direction of the converted first signal
Implementation Method 2
a first lens unit configured to convert the first signal into parallel light
Implementation Method 3
analyze light reflected by the object, and measure physical properties of the object, for example, a distance
Data Source
AI summary
The described technology relates to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device can include a transmission unit configured to emit a first signal, a first lens unit configured to convert the first signal into parallel light, a reflection unit configured to adjust a direction of the converted first signal and a second lens unit configured to enable the first signal to have the same focal plane even when a reflection angle of the reflection unit changes. The LIDAR device can also include a third lens unit configured to convert the first signal passing through the second lens unit into parallel light, a fourth lens unit configured to increase an angle of the first signal passing through the third lens unit and a reception unit configured to receive a second signal reflected by an object after passing through the fourth lens unit.