TIR Scanner Layout for Compact LiDAR Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR scanners require expensive finishes and are limited by geometric constraints, necessitating optical sources to be positioned beside or behind the scanner, which increases system size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sided scanner system that rotates to adjust beam angles without changing the optical source's angle, allowing for less expensive materials and a smaller, more efficient LIDAR system design with the optical source positioned behind the scanner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional scanners use expensive high-performance finishes to reflect optical beams, then optical beam quality is maintained, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional reflective scanning mirrors with a refractive optical scanner. Instead of using expensive high-performance reflective finishes on scanning surfaces, the system uses refraction through optical elements to achieve beam deflection. This substitution of the scanning mechanism eliminates the need for costly reflective coatings while maintaining optical beam quality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional scanners require optical sources to be positioned beside the scanner, then beam reflection is achieved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the optical source from a lateral position beside the scanner to a position behind the scanner, utilizing the depth dimension. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the optical beam to enter the scanner from the rear, pass through the refractive scanning elements, and exit forward, thereby reducing the lateral footprint and overall system size while maintaining full scanning functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scanners use multiple surfaces for beam reflection, then pointing direction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple reflective surfaces in the scanning system. By using a refractive scanning mechanism, the system achieves pointing direction control through a single integrated optical element rather than requiring multiple separate reflective surfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability in beam pointing.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional scanners recess the origin of the point cloud from the front window, then geometric limitations are accommodated, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional scanner geometry by positioning the optical source behind the scanner rather than having the scanner recessed from the front window. This inversion allows the point cloud origin to be positioned at or near the front window, improving measurement precision and spatial accuracy while still accommodating geometric constraints through the compact refractive design.
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 system reduces material costs and system size while maintaining scanning efficiency, enabling a smaller form factor and flexible field of view adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A first portion of the optical beam is deflected by a first side of the multi-sided scanner to generate a first refracted beam. A second portion of the optical beam is deflected by a second side of the multi-sided scanner to generate a second refracted beam.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an optical scanner including a reflective surface and a rear surface, where the optical scanner is mounted to rotate about a scanner. The apparatus includes a control system operatively coupled to the optical scanner. The apparatus includes a motor, operatively coupled to the control system, mounted in proximity to the optical scanner and having a shaft coupled to the optical scanner. The shaft rotates about a shaft axis parallel to the scanner axis causing the optical scanner to rotate about the scanner axis responsively to rotation of the shaft. The motor rotates the optical scanner to each of a set of positions at a respective time based on instructions from the control system. The apparatus includes an optical beam source, operatively coupled to the control system, positioned behind the optical scanner and configured to transmit an optical beam toward the optical scanner while the motor rotates.