Oscillating Mirror Lidar Resonant Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar systems face challenges in achieving a large field of view and efficient operation due to mechanical design constraints and high power consumption, particularly when using galvo mirrors which are limited to a 30 to 60 degree scan range and have non-linear scan motion.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an oscillating mirror system for lidar that uses a rotor with a mirror support and a motor to apply force, along with opposing permanent magnets to reverse the mirror's direction efficiently, reducing energy consumption and allowing for a wider scan range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If galvo mirrors are used for scanning, then the scanning mechanism is compact and controllable, but the scan range is limited to 30 to 60 degrees and the scan motion is non-linear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional galvo mirror mechanical scanning system with a resonant oscillating mirror system driven by a voice coil actuator. This substitution enables a wider scan range of 90 to 120 degrees while maintaining compactness and controllability, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If traditional mechanical scanning systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic resonant oscillation of the mirror at its natural frequency, driven by the voice coil actuator. This periodic action at resonance minimizes the energy required to maintain oscillation, significantly reducing power consumption compared to traditional continuous mechanical scanning systems while keeping the structure relatively simple.
3Area of stationary object
If the mirror oscillation range is increased to expand field of view, then the field of view increases to 90 to 120 degrees, but the mechanical design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning mechanisms with a resonant oscillating mirror system actuated by a voice coil. This substitution achieves the expanded field of view of 90 to 120 degrees without proportionally increasing mechanical design complexity, as the resonant system naturally accommodates larger oscillation ranges with simpler mechanics.
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 enables a wider field of view of up to 90 to 120 degrees while reducing power consumption and mechanical complexity, achieving more consistent and efficient scan motion across the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
opposing permanent magnets to reverse the mirror's direction efficiently
Implementation Method 2
a second magnet coupled with the base and arranged to limit an angular rotation of the rotor by a pole of the second magnet facing a similar pole of the first magnet
Implementation Method 3
a mirror coupled with the rotor and arranged to reflect light emitted from a laser
Implementation Method 4
a motor arranged to apply a force to the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating mirror for lidar has a mirror coupled with a rotor. The rotor is arranged to rotate about a pivot using one or more bearings. A mirror is coupled with the rotor and arranged to reflect light emitted from a laser. A first magnet is coupled with the rotor. A second magnet is coupled with a base. The second magnet is arranged to limit an angular rotation of the rotor by a pole of the second magnet facing a similar pole of the first magnet.