Concentric Ring Gyroscope Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inertial sensing systems face challenges in maintaining sensing accuracy due to susceptibility to vibrations and shocks, and high mechanical noise, particularly in Class I and Class II Coriolis vibratory gyroscopes, which affect the performance of ring and disc resonant gyroscopes.
Innovation Solution
A gyroscope design featuring a plurality of concentric rings with varying radial lengths and optimized spring elements, where the rings and spring members are configured to resonate with the same amplitude and frequency, enhancing the proof mass and signal-to-noise ratio, and integrating an accelerometer within the gyroscope's central opening on a substrate for efficient area use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a relatively large rigid proof mass is used in Class I gyroscopes, then sensing performance is improved, but susceptibility to vibrations and shocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proof mass is divided into multiple discrete rings of varying radial lengths rather than using a single large rigid mass. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large effective proof mass for sensing while the distributed structure reduces susceptibility to vibrations and shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane ring gyroscopes to a multi-plane configuration where rings are distributed across different planes. This dimensional change allows the proof mass to be distributed in three-dimensional space, improving both sensing performance and vibration resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a relatively small proof mass consisting of only a single ring is used in ring gyroscopes, then resistance to vibrations and shocks is improved, but mechanical noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple rings segmented across different planes rather than a single ring. This segmentation maintains vibration resistance while the combined effect of multiple rings reduces mechanical noise through distributed mass behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope employs a composite structure with rings of different radial lengths arranged in multiple planes, creating a composite proof mass system that simultaneously achieves vibration resistance and reduced mechanical noise.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If disc resonant gyroscopes use a larger proof mass than ring gyroscopes, then resistance to vibrations and shocks is improved, but white noise increases because only a small portion of the total proof mass oscillates
Solution Approach 1:
The proof mass is segmented into multiple rings distributed across different planes, where each ring can contribute to the oscillating mass. This ensures that a larger portion of the total proof mass actively oscillates, reducing white noise while maintaining vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing rings across multiple planes rather than confining them to a single plane, the patent enables a larger fraction of the total proof mass to participate in oscillation, thereby reducing white noise while maintaining the benefits of larger distributed mass.
4Area of stationary object
If accelerometer and gyroscope are integrated on the same substrate, then area efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer and gyroscope are merged into a single integrated device on the same substrate, sharing common structural elements and fabrication processes. This combining reduces total area while the unified design simplifies manufacturing compared to separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions (acceleration sensing and rotation sensing) within a single structural framework, allowing both sensors to share the substrate and manufacturing processes, thereby improving area efficiency without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 design improves sensing performance by increasing the proof mass and matching resonant frequencies, reducing mechanical noise, and allowing for a smaller substrate size while maintaining system performance, thus enhancing accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the proof mass, or drive mass, is the effective mass whose inertia transforms an input angular speed along, or about, an input axis into a Coriolis force
Implementation Method 2
the rings and spring members are configured to resonate with the same amplitude and frequency
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of gyroscope spring elements coupled to the at least one anchor
Data Source
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AI summary
A gyroscope (102) includes at least one anchor (106) and a plurality of gyroscope spring elements (108) coupled to the at least one anchor. The gyroscope also includes a plurality of concentric rings (110) coupled to the plurality of gyroscope spring elements and configured to encircle the plurality of gyroscope spring elements. The gyroscope further includes an excitation/detection/tuning unit (112) coupled to the plurality of concentric rings.