Asymmetrical Rocker Acceleration Sensor Stress Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional acceleration sensors are prone to errors due to mechanical stress, which causes changes in capacitance that are indistinguishable from acceleration, leading to incorrect output and sensitivity issues.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates two seismic masses with defined asymmetries that rotate in opposite directions during acceleration, allowing the sensor to differentiate between stress-induced and acceleration-induced changes, using a symmetrical structure with interconnected capacitances to filter out stress effects and provide accurate acceleration measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single seismic mass is used in the acceleration sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish stress effects from acceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidacceleration measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single seismic mass is divided into two separate seismic masses (first and second seismic masses), each capable of independent rotational movement. This segmentation allows the sensor to distinguish between stress-induced movements (affecting both masses similarly) and acceleration-induced movements (affecting masses in opposite directions), thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation method that processes signals from both seismic masses. By comparing the rotational movements of the two masses, the system can identify and filter out stress effects that affect both masses equally, while detecting acceleration effects that cause opposite movements. This intermediary processing layer resolves the contradiction by adding computational complexity rather than physical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical stress resistance is improved by using stress-compensated structures, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress resistanceVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetrical design in the seismic masses with different moments of inertia about their rotation axes. This asymmetry is intentional and controlled, allowing the masses to respond differently to stress versus acceleration. The asymmetrical configuration provides inherent stress compensation because stress effects manifest differently on each mass compared to acceleration effects, improving reliability without requiring ultra-precise assembly tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial compensation through signal processing rather than perfect mechanical compensation. By taking measurements from both seismic masses and processing them to partially eliminate stress effects, the system achieves adequate stress resistance without requiring manufacturing precision that would be needed for perfect mechanical compensation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If two seismic masses with opposite rotation are used, then the measurement precision improves through stress differentiation, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceleration measurement accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of stress detection and acceleration detection into a unified system using two seismic masses. Rather than adding separate stress sensors and acceleration sensors, the system combines both detection capabilities in a single integrated structure where the same seismic masses serve dual purposes. The evaluation device merges the signals from both masses to simultaneously extract stress and acceleration information, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The two seismic masses serve multiple functions: they detect acceleration, detect stress, and provide reference signals for each other. Each seismic mass is not just a simple indicator but a multi-functional element that contributes to both stress compensation and acceleration measurement. This universality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach results in an acceleration sensor that is significantly less sensitive to mechanical stress, enabling the use of inexpensive housings and compensating for surface charge effects, thus providing reliable acceleration measurements even under deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a first inertial element (50) and a second inertial element (52) arranged in the housing (58) in such a way that, in an acceleration-free state, the first inertial element (50) and the second inertial element (52) are each in an initial position relative to the base substrate (58)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

The seismic mass 12 comprises a first electrode 20a arranged on a first side of the longitudinal axis 18 and a second electrode 20b arranged on the second side of the longitudinal axis 18

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2394177B1Acceleration sensor and method for operating an acceleration sensor
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2394177B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2394177B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2394177B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The invention relates to an acceleration sensor having a housing (58), a first seismic mass (50) designed as a first asymmetrical rocker and disposed in the housing (58) by means of at least one first spring (54), a second seismic mass (52) designed as a second asymmetrical rocker and disposed in the housing (58) by means of at least one second spring (54), and a sensor and analysis device (66a, 66b, 68a, 68b) configured for determining information regarding corresponding rotary motions of the first seismic mass (50) and the second seismic mass (52) relative to the housing, and for establishing an acceleration information relative to an acceleration (69) of the acceleration sensor considering the determined information. The invention further relates to a method for operating an acceleration sensor. The rockers perform opposite rotary motions in the presence of an acceleration. A differential analysis of the signals allows the measurement signal to be cleaned of any noise signals.