Compact Wedge Prism Beam Steering for LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems are bulky, costly, and prone to breakdown due to the complex configuration of multiple laser sources and prisms, which complicates beam steering and increases the number of parts required.
Innovation Solution
A compact beam steering device utilizing a housing with rotatable wedge-shaped prisms and a transceiver that emits and receives light, featuring a drive element and encoder member for precise rotational control, allowing for efficient beam steering without radial overlap, thus reducing complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser sources and prisms are stacked in conventional LIDAR systems, then beam steering capability is achieved, but device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a single shared aperture system. A single laser source alternately directs beams through different wedge prisms (first and second prisms) to achieve multi-directional beam steering. This consolidation reduces the number of laser sources from multiple to one, while maintaining the ability to steer beams in different directions through the use of multiple prisms and a rotating mirror assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotation of the mirror assembly to achieve beam steering. The mirror rotates about an axis to alternately reflect laser beams through different prisms, enabling the system to dynamically change beam direction without requiring multiple fixed laser sources. This dynamic approach replaces static multiple-source configuration with a moving single-source system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser sources and prisms are stacked in conventional LIDAR systems, then beam steering capability is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a single shared aperture system. A single laser source alternately directs beams through different wedge prisms (first and second prisms) to achieve multi-directional beam steering. This consolidation reduces the number of laser sources from multiple to one, while maintaining the ability to steer beams in different directions through the use of multiple prisms and a rotating mirror assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser source serves multiple functions by alternately directing beams through different prisms. The same laser source is used to generate beams for different scanning directions, making the system more cost-effective by eliminating the need for multiple specialized laser sources while maintaining full beam steering capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser sources and prisms are stacked in conventional LIDAR systems, then beam steering capability is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a single shared aperture system. A single laser source alternately directs beams through different wedge prisms (first and second prisms) to achieve multi-directional beam steering. This consolidation reduces the number of laser sources from multiple to one, while maintaining the ability to steer beams in different directions through the use of multiple prisms and a rotating mirror assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotation of the mirror assembly to achieve beam steering. The mirror rotates about an axis to alternately reflect laser beams through different prisms, enabling the system to dynamically change beam direction without requiring multiple fixed laser sources. This dynamic approach replaces static multiple-source configuration with a moving single-source 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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable beam steering system capable of producing a two-dimensional scanning pattern with reduced moving components and simplified design, suitable for applications like automotive LIDAR and gaming.
Implementation Method 1
A wedge-shaped prism is secured to the body within the central passage and includes a first surface extending perpendicular to the axis and a second surface extending transverse to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A beam steering device includes a housing and a transceiver that emits and receives light beams through at least one opening in the housing. A rotator includes a cylindrical body rotatably mounted within the housing axially between the transceiver and the at least one opening. A wedge-shaped prism is secured within the body and includes a first surface extending perpendicular to the axis and a second surface extending transverse to the axis. An encoder member and a drive member are provided on an outer surface of the body. Sensors are mounted to the housing to sense the encoder member and provide an encoder signal indicative of a rotational position of the prism about the axis. At least one drive element is mounted to the housing and applies force to the drive member to rotate the body and prism about the axis for steering light beams propagating through the prism.