Coriolis Gyroscope Startup Time Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coriolis gyroscopes face challenges in providing accurate output signals during switch-on due to the settling time of excitation oscillation amplitude, which can exceed 0.1 seconds, leading to incorrect values, especially at high yaw rates.

Innovation Solution

A method and Coriolis gyroscope design that normalize output signals by determining the amplitude of excitation oscillation at defined points in time and generating a normalized output signal using the quotient of the steady-state amplitude, allowing for early validation of output accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the Coriolis gyroscope is switched on at a high yaw rate, then the readout signal can be determined quickly with sufficient accuracy, but the output signal represents an incorrect value because the excitation oscillation amplitude has not yet reached its settled value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch-on timeVSAvoidoutput signal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the amplitude of the excitation oscillation at defined points in time during the switch-on phase. By measuring the amplitude before it reaches the settled value and using this information to correct the output signal, the system can provide accurate readings during the settling period rather than waiting for the amplitude to naturally stabilize, thus reducing switch-on time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the amplitude of the excitation oscillation and using this information to normalize the output signal. The measured amplitude serves as feedback to adjust and correct the output signal in real-time during the switch-on phase, ensuring accuracy even before the oscillation reaches its settled state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the amplitude of the excitation oscillation is set to a predefined value, then the output signal becomes accurate, but the settling time exceeds 0.1 seconds which is too long for quick measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput signal accuracyVSAvoidsettling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the measured amplitude of the excitation oscillation as a mediator to normalize the output signal. Instead of waiting for the amplitude to naturally reach its settled value, the system uses this intermediate amplitude measurement to calculate and apply a normalization factor, thereby achieving accurate output signals without requiring the full settling time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the output signal based on the changing amplitude parameter during switch-on. By monitoring how the amplitude parameter evolves over time and using this information to normalize the output, the system can provide accurate measurements during the transient phase rather than requiring the system to remain in a static settled state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces switch-on time by enabling accurate output signal generation within the settling time, ensuring compliance with specifications and reducing the time required for the Coriolis gyroscope to meet operational standards.

Implementation Method 1

If the Coriolis gyroscope is subjected to a rotational movement in its sensitive axis, the Coriolis forces that occur excite a second vibration mode of the mass system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoriolis force: Coriolis Force

Implementation Method 2

the excitation frequency of the drive signal being raised essentially continuously from a starting value below the main resonant frequency of the oscillating movement to a final value above the main resonant frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3117182B1Method of optimising the startup time of a coriolis gyro and coriolis gyro suitable for it
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 NORTHROP GRUMMAN LITEF GMBH
  • EP3117182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3117182B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3117182B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for optimizing the switched-on time of a Coriolis gyroscope (1) having a mass system (100) which can be excited to an excitation oscillation of the Coriolis gyroscope (1) parallel to a first axis (x), wherein a deflection of the mass system on account of a Coriolis force along a second axis (y) which is provided perpendicular to the first axis (x) can be verified using an output signal from the Coriolis gyroscope, comprises determining the amplitude (A) of the excitation oscillation of the Coriolis gyroscope at a defined time, determining the output signal (S) from the Coriolis gyroscope at the defined time, and generating a normalized output signal (S0) from the Coriolis gyroscope by multiplying the determined output signal (S) by the quotient of the amplitude (A0) of the excitation oscillation of the Coriolis gyroscope in the steady state and the determined amplitude (A).