Solid-State Light-Guiding Device for Vibration-Resistant Optical Radar

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Solution Overview

Problem

MEMS mirrors in optical radars face challenges in size reduction and mechanical stability when integrated into road vehicles, as they are prone to damage from vibrations, limiting their integration and performance.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state optical radar system utilizing a light-guiding device with an electro-optical material light-guiding layer, which changes the reflection angle of laser light through applied voltages, eliminating the need for mechanical components and enhancing scanning frequency and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a MEMS mirror is used to scan laser light in optical radar, then the radar can achieve directional scanning capability, but the MEMS mirror becomes vulnerable to vibration-induced fracture when integrated into road vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration resistanceVSAvoidrocker arm strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical MEMS mirror system with a light-guiding device that uses an electro-optical material layer to control light reflection angles through applied voltages. This eliminates the rocker arm and reflection element mechanical structure, substituting mechanical scanning with electro-optical control, thereby resolving the vibration-induced fracture problem while maintaining scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating principle from mechanical movement to electrical field control. By applying different voltages to the light-guiding device, the reflection angle of laser light is controlled through changes in the electro-optical material's properties rather than physical movement of mechanical parts, eliminating vibration susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the MEMS mirror size is reduced for integration into road vehicles, then space constraints are satisfied, but the structural strength and vibration resistance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMEMS mirror volumeVSAvoidvibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a mechanical scanning system is used, then the radar structure is simple to understand, but the scanning frequency and speed are limited by mechanical inertia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning frequencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with an electro-optical light-guiding device that controls light reflection angles through applied voltages. This eliminates mechanical inertia limitations, enabling much higher scanning frequencies while using a relatively simple layered structure consisting of substrate, electrode layers, and electro-optical material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 compact, vibration-resistant optical radar with improved scanning speed and frequency, capable of precise angle changes without mechanical assistance, thus enhancing its integration into road vehicles and extending service life.

Implementation Method 1

a light-guiding device with an electro-optical material light-guiding layer, which changes the reflection angle of laser light through applied voltages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optical effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20230194950A1Light-guiding device and optical radar

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

A non-mechanical light-guiding device not subject to vehicular or other vibration includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a light-guiding layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is configured to receive a first voltage and reflect a laser light received. The second electrode layer is configured to receive a second voltage. A reflection angle of the laser light is controlled by deformation of the first electrode layer under the first voltage and the second voltage and changes therein, and the light-guiding layer controls a propagation direction of the laser light according to the respective magnitudes of the first voltage and the second voltage.