Sequential Partial-Mirror Reflector for Wider LIDAR Beam Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR devices with micro-mirrors face challenges in precise alignment, limited sweep area, and inability to cover large surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A reflector device with multiple partially transparent mirrors arranged on a support, each pivotable about one or more axes, forming multiple reflected beams from a single light beam through sequential reflection and transmission, utilizing actuators and optical elements to enhance flexibility and angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two micro-mirrors are arranged to pivot about non-parallel pivot axes, then the light beam can be reflected in various directions, but precise alignment becomes difficult and the sweep area remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple micro-mirrors (first micro-mirror and second micro-mirror) into a single integrated device where both mirrors pivot about the same axis. This combining approach maintains the ability to reflect light in various directions while eliminating the alignment difficulties associated with non-parallel pivot axes, as all mirrors share a common rotation axis that is easier to manufacture and align
2Ease of manufacture
If a single micro-mirror pivots about two non-parallel pivot axes, then the device is simpler to integrate, but the sweep area remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light reflection function into multiple independent micro-mirrors (first micro-mirror and second micro-mirror) that operate in sequence. Each mirror can be independently controlled to reflect light in different directions, and by arranging them in series rather than using complex multi-axis pivoting, the system achieves both manufacturing simplicity and expanded sweep area coverage
3Productivity
If micro-mirrors are used in LIDAR devices, then light can be swept across surfaces for detection, but the sweep area and angular resolution are constrained by mirror size and pivot configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light sweeping capability from a single-plane rotation to a two-dimensional sweep area by introducing a second micro-mirror that operates after the first. The first mirror provides initial beam direction control, while the second mirror further directs the beam across an extended area. This dimensional extension allows the system to cover larger surfaces while maintaining angular resolution, overcoming the limitations of single-mirror configurations
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
Enables sweeping of larger surfaces with improved angular resolution and flexibility, allowing for enhanced imaging and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector device provided with a plurality of mirrors arranged so as to form a plurality of reflected beams from one and the same incident light beam
Implementation Method 2
the micro-mirrors are arranged to oscillate on one or two pivot axes, at a predetermined sweep frequency, so as to reflect an incident radiation in various directions
Data Source
AI summary
A reflector device that includes a support, a light source arranged to emit a principal light beam, N mirrors, partially transparent, assembled on the support, and delimited by a partially reflective front face, and a rear face, the mirrors are arranged from a first position to an Nth position, so that the principal light beam is incident on the front face of the mirror in the first position, and interacts successively, in the order, with each mirror to form a beam reflected by the front face and a beam transmitted by the rear face, the beam reflected by the front face of a mirror in a position i resulting from the reflection of the beam transmitted by the rear face of the mirror in position i−1.