Rotatable LiDAR Mirror Assembly for Thermal Mismatch Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face challenges in maintaining a wide scanning angle and minimizing temperature-dependent deformations due to mismatches in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the mirror body and the shaft, which can divert light pulses to irregular positions and introduce undesirable temperature-dependent deformations.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable mirror assembly with a multi-sided structure having a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the shaft, coupled via flexible support members that accommodate thermal expansion or contraction, maintaining the flatness of reflective surfaces and allowing for a broad scanning angle greater than 230 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror body and shaft are made of different materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, then the scanning angle can be broadened, but temperature-dependent deformations occur that divert light pulses to irregular positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is segmented into multiple components: a mirror body made of one material and a shaft made of a different material with a different coefficient of thermal expansion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while managing thermal expansion differences through the flexible support members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters (coefficients of thermal expansion) of the mirror body and shaft to achieve a broad scanning angle. The flexible support members are designed to accommodate the parameter changes (thermal expansion/contraction) that occur during temperature variations, maintaining optical precision despite material differences.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support members are used to couple the mirror body to the shaft, then structural stability is improved, but temperature-induced deformations occur due to mismatched thermal expansion coefficients
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the mirror body and shaft. This flexibility enables the support structure to maintain stability across temperature variations while still providing structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by using flexible support members that can accommodate the expansion and contraction of the mirror body and shaft when temperatures change. The support members are designed to flex in response to thermal dimension changes, preventing stress buildup and maintaining alignment.
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 enables a LIDAR system to provide accurate ranging information over a large three-dimensional volume while minimizing temperature-induced deformations, ensuring reliable and precise light direction and reflection.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic support members are configured to accommodate a thermal expansion or contraction between the shaft and the rotatable structure
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of reflective surfaces are disposed on the exterior surface of the multi-sided structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to optical devices and systems, specifically those related to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example device includes a shaft defining a rotational axis. The shaft includes a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The device also includes a rotatable mirror disposed about the shaft. The rotatable mirror includes a multi-sided structure having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The multi-sided structure includes a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The second coefficient of thermal expansion is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The multi-sided structure also includes a plurality of reflective surfaces disposed on the exterior surface of the multi-sided structure. The multi-sided structure yet further includes one or more support members coupled to the interior surface and the shaft.