US 12,253,628 B2
Methods and apparatuses for improved optical component retention and alignment in a LiDAR system
Anan Pan, Mountain View, CA (US); and Henghui Jiang, Mountain View, CA (US)
Assigned to Beijing Voyager Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing (CN)
Filed by Beijing Voyager Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing (CN)
Filed on May 21, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/327,006.
Prior Publication US 2022/0373647 A1, Nov. 24, 2022
Int. Cl. G01S 7/48 (2006.01); G01S 7/481 (2006.01); G01S 17/89 (2020.01); G01S 17/931 (2020.01); G02B 7/02 (2021.01); G02B 27/10 (2006.01)
CPC G01S 7/481 (2013.01) [G01S 17/89 (2013.01); G01S 17/931 (2020.01); G02B 7/02 (2013.01); G02B 27/10 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of retaining optical components within a housing, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of posts, the method comprising:
coupling a first spring of a plurality of springs to a first post of the plurality of posts at a first radial orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing so that the first spring extends into a first slot of the plurality of slots;
coupling a second spring of the plurality of springs to a second post of the plurality of post in a second radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing, different than the first radial orientation, so that the second spring extends into a second slot of the plurality of slots;
inserting a first optical component into the first slot so that the first spring exerts a first clamping force in order to retain the first optical component within the first slot; and
inserting a second optical component into the second slot so that the second spring exerts a second clamping force in order to retain the second optical component within the second slot,
wherein the first spring and the second spring are identical or substantially identical.