Scanning Mirror Waveguide Layout for Wider Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The range across which electromagnetic waves can be radiated in scanning devices is restricted by the position of the sensor for detecting the swing angle of the reflecting mirror, limiting the scanning capability.
Innovation Solution
A scanning device configuration that includes a waveguide unit to guide electromagnetic waves in a different direction from the irradiation path, allowing detection units to be positioned outside the irradiation range, and a substrate with a passage portion for visual confirmation of detection unit alignment, enabling accurate positioning and expanding the scanning range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor for detecting the swing angle of the reflecting mirror is positioned within the irradiation range, then the device structure is simplified, but the scanning range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waveguide unit that guides electromagnetic waves in a direction different from the irradiation path, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the detection path. This allows the detection unit to be positioned outside the irradiation range while maintaining functional connectivity, thereby expanding the scanning range without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide unit acts as an intermediary between the reflecting mirror and the detection unit. It transfers electromagnetic waves from the mirror to the detection unit along a separate path, enabling the detection unit to be positioned outside the direct irradiation range while still receiving the necessary signals for angle detection
2Area of moving object
If the detection unit is positioned outside the irradiation range, then the scanning range is expanded, but the alignment of detection units becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual confirmation methods (analogous to color/visual changes) where the passage portion allows observation of electromagnetic wave paths and detection unit alignment. This visual feedback mechanism enables accurate positioning of detection units even when positioned outside the irradiation range, overcoming the alignment difficulty without compromising scanning range expansion
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 scanning device achieves a larger scanning range while maintaining a compact size by guiding electromagnetic waves in a separate direction for detection, ensuring accurate alignment of detection units and enhancing scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A scanning device configuration that includes a waveguide unit to guide electromagnetic waves in a different direction from the irradiation path
Implementation Method 2
a known scanning device deflects electromagnetic waves radiated from an irradiation unit by reflecting the waves with a reflecting mirror
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a scanning device including a first irradiation unit, a second irradiation unit, a scanning unit, a waveguide unit, and a detection unit. The first irradiation unit radiates a first electromagnetic wave for scanning an object of interest. The second irradiation unit radiates a second electromagnetic wave. The scanning unit deflects and outputs the first electromagnetic wave radiated by the first irradiation unit and the second electromagnetic wave radiated by the second irradiation unit. The waveguide unit guides at least part of the second electromagnetic wave, output by the scanning unit, in a different direction from the first electromagnetic wave. The detection unit detects the second electromagnetic wave guided in the different direction from the first electromagnetic wave by the waveguide unit.