Truncated-Cone Reflector for Redirecting Rotating Lidar Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating lidar systems waste a significant amount of light by directing it away from the target, making the data collection inefficient and costly, while existing reflectors like US '094,393 and US20160334093 are not suitable for measuring reflected light.
Innovation Solution
A reflector shaped as a hollow truncated cone with reflective trapezoid segments or grooves inside, optimized for directing electromagnetic waves towards a target, using materials and angles to control light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotating lidar system is used to achieve 360° field of view and higher power emission, then the field of view coverage and power level are improved, but most of the light is directed away from the target causing data collection inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating lidar and the target. The reflector captures electromagnetic waves that would otherwise be wasted and redirects them toward the target, enabling efficient data collection while preserving the rotating lidar's 360° coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector surface is divided into multiple reflective elements or zones, each oriented to redirect light from specific angular sectors of the rotating lidar toward the target. This segmentation allows selective redirection of light paths while maintaining overall system functionality
2Power
If a rotating electromagnetic wave source is used to emit higher power levels, then the power emission capability is improved, but the efficiency of directing light towards the target deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a mediator that decouples the power emission capability from the directional efficiency. High-power emission in all directions is maintained by the rotating source, while the reflector selectively channels the necessary light toward the target, achieving both high power and high efficiency simultaneously
3Productivity
If a stationary solid-state lidar is used to direct beams towards a target, then the data collection efficiency is improved, but the field of view is limited to 120° or less
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both rotating and stationary lidars: the rotating lidar provides 360° field of view while the stationary reflector provides efficient beam direction. The combination achieves comprehensive coverage with high data collection efficiency, eliminating the trade-off between field of view and productivity
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
Ensures that most of the lidar beam is directed towards the target, enhancing data collection efficiency and reducing waste, while maintaining the advantages of rotating lidar systems.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective screen being shaped as a hollow truncated cone having a top at the truncated end and a base at the opposite end of the truncated end... The reflective screen has a reflective material inside the hollow cone
Data Source
AI summary
A reflector for reflecting electromagnetic waves from a rotating electromagnetic wave source comprises a reflective screen shaped as a hollow truncated cone having a top at the truncated end and a base, where the radius of the top is smaller than the radius of the base. The hollow truncated cone comprises a plurality of trapezoid shaped segments, where the screen has a reflective material on the trapezoid shaped segments inside the hollow cone.