Multi-Lens Beam Steering for Precision and Fast 2D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam steering devices face limitations in steering capability, efficiency, scan speed, aperture size, and cost due to constraints such as large components, high weight, and complex designs, often requiring trade-offs in performance.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple steering layers, including a first steering layer with a steering lens and a second layer with a rotating actuator, combined with a controller for precise beam steering, utilizing rotating lens elements and electro-optical crystals to achieve high precision and efficiency without linear actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If previously known beam steering devices are configured to support one aspect (e.g., steering capability), then that aspect is improved, but performance in other aspects (e.g., scan speed, aperture size, efficiency) is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering device is divided into multiple independent steering portions (first steering portion with first lens, second steering portion with second lens). Each portion can be independently controlled to steer the beam in different directions, allowing simultaneous optimization of steering precision and scan speed by distributing the steering task across multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of multiple steering portions with different focal lengths. By dynamically adjusting which steering portion is active and how they coordinate, the system achieves both high steering capability precision and fast scan speeds, as each portion can be optimized for specific angular ranges
2Reliability
If previously known beam steering devices add cost (e.g., higher capability materials, actuators), then desired performance is achieved, but manufacturing expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lens elements with different focal lengths arranged in specific configurations rather than requiring single high-performance materials or actuators. By changing the optical parameters (focal lengths) of standard lens elements and their spatial arrangement, the desired steering performance is achieved through geometric optimization rather than expensive material substitution
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple steering portions with different focal lengths serve universal beam steering functions across different angular ranges. Each lens element can be used for its intended purpose without requiring specialized high-cost materials, as the system achieves performance through the combination of standard optical elements in a multi-functional arrangement
3Power
If previously known beam steering devices add weight (e.g., larger components and actuators), then capability is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into multiple lightweight lens portions rather than using a single large heavy actuator. Each lens portion can be smaller and lighter, and their combined effect through optical coordination provides the total steering capability, reducing overall moving weight while maintaining power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering mechanisms (which require heavy motors and actuators) with an optical system using multiple lens portions. The steering is achieved through optical path manipulation rather than mechanical movement of heavy components, significantly reducing the weight of moving parts while maintaining steering capability
4Area of moving object
If previously known beam steering devices increase footprint (e.g., larger and longer device), then aperture size is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple steering portions with different focal lengths are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where each lens portion is positioned to work in coordination with the others. This nesting allows the system to achieve large effective aperture capability within a smaller overall footprint, as the optical paths are folded and coordinated rather than requiring linear expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical dimension (focal length space) rather than purely spatial dimension. By employing lens portions with different focal lengths arranged in specific optical configurations, the system achieves large aperture capability through optical parameter diversity rather than physical size expansion, effectively using the focal length dimension to compensate for reduced physical footprint
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
Enhances steering capability, reduces system size and weight, improves efficiency, and supports broadband operation with reduced manufacturing costs, enabling two-dimensional steering and faster scan speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a steering lens; the emission lens including a positive lens
Implementation Method 2
the rotating actuator coupled to the at least one steering lens of the second steering layer, and configured to move the at least one steering lens of the second steering layer along a second circular movement course
Implementation Method 3
the first steering actuator coupled to the steering lens of the first steering layer, and configured to move the steering lens of the first steering layer along a first movement course
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a first steering lens positioned between an EM source and a second steering lens, and the second steering lens positioned between the first steering lens and an emission lens. The example system includes the first and second steering lenses having a combined first effective focal length, and where the emission lens is a positive lens have a second focal length. The example system includes the first effective focal length being shorter than the second focal length. The example system includes a first steering actuator that move the first steering lens along a first movement course, and a second steering actuator that moves the second steering lens along a second movement course.