Pivoting Vehicle LiDAR Scanning Field for Adaptive Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar scanning devices on motor vehicles are not very flexible and are typically rigidly aligned for specific functions, limiting their adaptability to different driving situations and tasks.
Innovation Solution
A lidar scanning device with a pivoting mechanism that allows the scanning field to be adjusted based on driving speed and orientation, enabling flexible use for various driving assistants by pivoting about both transverse and vertical axes, and being attachable to multiple locations on the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar scanning device is rigidly aligned for a specific function, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different driving situations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the scanning device rotatable about a transverse axis of the vehicle, allowing the detection area to be dynamically adjusted from a transverse alignment to a forward direction based on driving speed. This enables the same device to adapt to different driving situations (low speed vs high speed) without requiring multiple fixed devices, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through a single movable component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar sensor is mounted in a fixed position, then the installation is simple, but the scanning coverage for different tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a pivoting mechanism that allows the lidar sensor to rotate about the transverse axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the scanning field to cover different areas (transverse at low speed, forward at high speed) using a single mountable device, improving scanning coverage versatility while keeping the pivoting mechanism as the only added complexity element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning field orientation is fixed, then the device is robust and simple to control, but it cannot dynamically adjust to different driving speeds and tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by linking the orientation of the scanning field to the driving speed of the motor vehicle. The control device receives information about driving speed and automatically adjusts the scanning field orientation accordingly (transverse at low speed, forward at high speed). This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adaptation to different driving conditions while keeping the control logic relatively simple and automated.
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 improved alignment and coverage of scanning areas for different driving tasks, such as collision warnings and parking assistance, with enhanced flexibility and usability, allowing for dynamic selection and scanning of relevant areas.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning device emits light into an environment and receives light reflected from an object. Based on the light's travel time, a distance to the object can then be determined.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a Lidar scanning device for use in a motor vehicle, comprising a Lidar sensor having a predetermined scanning field, the Lidar sensor being configured to determine the distance of an object within the scanning field, and a pivot device for changing the alignment of the scanning field of the Lidar sensor as a function of a driving situation of the motor vehicle.