Integrated Angular Velocity and Acceleration Sensor on Vibrating Intermediate Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices that combine angular velocity and acceleration sensors have complex structures and large sizes due to separate mounting locations for these elements, complicating their design and increasing their size.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with both angular velocity and acceleration sensors mounted on an intermediate member, connected via an elastic body to a fixing part, allowing the intermediate member to vibrate and simplify the structure while reducing size, and utilizing lead frames made of metal for electrical connectivity and vibration attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the acceleration sensor element is mounted on the multilayer circuit board and the angular velocity sensor is provided at a location away from the multilayer circuit board, then both sensors can be accommodated in the sensor device, but the structure becomes complicated and the size is likely to be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both the acceleration sensor element and angular velocity sensor element on the same intermediate member (vibrator), eliminating the need for separate mounting locations. This merging of sensor elements onto a single common platform simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to detect both acceleration and angular velocity independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member (vibrator) serves multiple functions: it acts as the mounting platform for both sensor elements, functions as the vibrating element for angular velocity detection, and provides a common reference frame for both acceleration and angular velocity measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the acceleration sensor element is mounted on the multilayer circuit board and the angular velocity sensor is provided at a location away from the multilayer circuit board, then both sensors can be accommodated in the sensor device, but the size of the sensor device is likely to be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsensor device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both the acceleration sensor element and angular velocity sensor element on the same intermediate member (vibrator), eliminating the need for separate mounting locations. This merging of sensor elements onto a single common platform simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to detect both acceleration and angular velocity independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor elements are integrated onto the intermediate member in a compact arrangement where the acceleration sensor and angular velocity sensor share the same mounting surface and structural support, creating a nested or integrated configuration that minimizes the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration enables accurate detection of both angular velocity and acceleration with a simplified structure and reduced size, minimizing interference from vibrations and enhancing detection accuracy across multiple axes.

Implementation Method 1

The intermediate member is configured to vibrate by receiving a vibration applied to the fixing part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a reinforcing member made of a resin which attenuates an externally caused vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration attenuation: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11231277B2Sensor device including angular velocity sensor element and acceleration sensor element

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A sensor device includes an angular velocity sensor element, an acceleration sensor element, an intermediate member, and an elastic body. Both the angular velocity sensor element and the acceleration sensor element are mounted on the intermediate member. The elastic body is connected to the intermediate member and a fixing part located apart from the intermediate member. The intermediate member is configured to vibrate by receiving a vibration applied to the fixing part.