Structured Protective Windows for LiDAR Light Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective windows for LiDAR transmitters and sensors, composed of fused glass with polymer material, are prone to breakage and fail to effectively isolate light, leading to contamination of nearby sensors.
Innovation Solution
Structured protective windows with a base material and optical isolation channels that attenuate scattered light, featuring vertical and horizontal overlaps, and optionally coated with optical isolation materials, to enhance mechanical stability and prevent light contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protective windows use polymer material to fuse glass pieces, then light isolation is achieved, but the structure becomes prone to breakage at the fused connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the polymer fusion connection from the structure and replaces it with a mechanically robust metal bracket that physically connects the glass pieces. This extraction of the weak polymer joint eliminates the primary failure point while maintaining the light isolation function through the metal bracket's design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal brackets with glass pieces, creating a hybrid assembly that leverages the strength of metal for structural integrity and the optical properties of glass for light transmission and isolation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by using materials with complementary properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer material is used to fuse glass pieces, then light isolation between sections is provided, but the fused connection becomes a weak point
Solution Approach 1:
The metal bracket serves as an intermediary component that performs dual functions: mechanically connecting the glass pieces with high strength and providing light isolation between sections. This intermediary replaces the inadequate polymer material and resolves both the light contamination issue and the structural reliability issue simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional protective windows are designed with simple glass fusion, then manufacturing is simple, but light scattering and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimensional element - the metal bracket extending between glass pieces - to address light scattering issues without complicating the basic assembly process. This dimensional addition provides structural support and light isolation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through straightforward assembly steps.
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 structured windows effectively transmit light while minimizing contamination of light detecting sensors, offering improved mechanical stability and attenuation of scattered light, suitable for LiDAR applications and other scenarios requiring light isolation.
Implementation Method 1
attenuate scattered light from internally transmitting within the base material
Implementation Method 2
optical isolation channels can attenuate scattered light
Implementation Method 3
An optical isolation material can be applied to at least one vertical side wall of the plurality of optical isolation channels to enhance the optical attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to structured protective windows that have high transmission efficiency and can isolate light between different sections of the window. The structured protective windows are less prone to glass breakage compared to conventional protective windows that are typically used to protect and isolate light transmitting and light receiving components in LiDAR exterior automotive applications.