Scanning Mirror Actuators and Couplers for Accurate Light Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately scanning environments under varying conditions, such as rain, fog, darkness, and bright light, which affect the reliability of obstacle detection and navigation in driver assistance and autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A deflector unit for a light scanning system comprising a mirror and actuator arm, with specific configurations to enhance scanning accuracy, including angled coupling members and tilting axes, allowing precise control of light deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light deflector is used to scan the region of interest, then the system can detect objects in the surrounding environment, but the accuracy of scanning is reduced under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the actuator arm and mirror coupling to optimize scanning accuracy. Specifically, the actuator arm is configured with a specific length ratio (L1/L2) and the mirror is positioned at a specific distance from the actuator axis, which compensates for environmental variations and maintains reliable detection across different conditions.
2Device complexity
If the mirror is coupled closer to the actuator arm, then the system becomes more compact, but the scanning accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the mirror and the actuator arm. By setting this distance to a specific value (less than the shortest distance from the mirror to the actuator axis midpoint), the system achieves a balance between compactness and scanning accuracy, allowing the mirror to be positioned closer while maintaining precision through careful geometric configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuator arm is positioned symmetrically with respect to the mirror, then the structure is simpler, but the scanning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric configuration of the actuator arm relative to the mirror. The actuator arm is positioned such that the distance from the mirror to the first midpoint (coupler end) is different from the distance to the second midpoint (anchor end). This asymmetric arrangement, with specific length ratios, improves scanning precision by optimizing the mechanical leverage and reducing angular errors during mirror tilting.
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
Improves the accuracy and reliability of scanning in diverse environmental conditions, enhancing the ability of LIDAR systems to detect and interpret surroundings for navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror is configured to tilt about at least one tilting axis in response to a movement of the at least one actuator arm
Data Source
AI summary
A deflector unit for a light scanning system includes a mirror and at least one actuator arm. The actuator arm may include an anchor end and a coupler end. The at least one actuator arm may include an anchor end, a coupler end, and an actuator axis that extends from a first midpoint to a second midpoint, the first midpoint being a midpoint of an edge of the at least one actuator arm at the coupler end and the second midpoint being a midpoint of an edge of the at least one actuator arm at the anchor end, the mirror being coupled to the coupler end of the at least one actuator arm, wherein the mirror is configured to tilt about at least one tilting axis in response to a movement of the at least one actuator arm, and wherein a shortest distance of the mirror from the first midpoint is less than a shortest distance of the mirror from the second midpoint.