Dual-Axis Rotation Rate Sensor with Shared Drive Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-axis rotation rate sensors are inadequate for safety-relevant automotive applications that require simultaneous measurement of rotation rates about multiple axes, necessitating the use of multiple individual sensors, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis rotation rate sensor is developed, combining two sensor cores with a shared drive circuit to measure rotation rates about two axes, providing robustness against linear and rotational accelerations while reducing component and manufacturing costs, and avoiding parasitic crosstalk through direct coupling of Coriolis masses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual sensors are used to measure rotation rates about various axes, then measurement capability for multiple axes is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two sensor cores (X-axis and Z-axis rotation rate sensors) into a single integrated device that measures rotation rates about both axes simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining the capability to measure rotation rates about various axes, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor device performs multiple functions by measuring rotation rates about both X and Z axes using a single device. The sensor core is designed to detect rotation rates about two different axes, making it a universal sensor that can replace multiple single-axis sensors for automotive safety applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual sensors are used to measure rotation rates about various axes, then measurement capability for multiple axes is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two sensor cores into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to measure rotation rates about multiple axes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate drive circuits are used for each sensor core, then independence of sensor cores is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive circuits for both sensor cores into a single shared drive circuit that can drive either the X-axis or Z-axis sensor core as needed. This shared drive circuit approach reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the functional independence of the sensor cores through control logic.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If Coriolis masses are directly coupled, then parasitic crosstalk is avoided, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly couples the Coriolis masses of the two sensor cores, which initially might seem to cause interference, but is designed to eliminate parasitic crosstalk by ensuring that the coupling structure does not introduce unwanted interactions. The direct coupling is configured so that only the intended rotation rate measurements are transmitted, converting a potential source of harm into a beneficial simplification of the signal path.
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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and robust dual-axis rotation rate sensor that meets safety requirements in the automotive field by simplifying the design and reducing component count, while maintaining sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the first structure (5) and the fourth structure (15) are excitable into an essentially linear oscillation in phase with respect to one another, and are excitable into an essentially linear oscillation in phase opposition with respect to the second structure (9) and the third structure (13)
Implementation Method 2
a drive device (17) for deflecting a first structure (5) that is movable with respect to substrate (3), and a second structure (9) that is movable with respect to substrate (3) and with respect to first structure (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation rate sensor including a substrate having a main plane of extension, a first rotation rate sensor structure for detecting a first rotation rate about an axis that is in parallel to a first axis extending in parallel to the main plane of extension, and a second rotation rate sensor structure for detecting a second rotation rate about an axis that is parallel to a second axis extending perpendicularly with respect to the main plane of extension. Also included is drive device for deflecting a first structure of the first rotation rate sensor structure, and a second structure of the first rotation rate sensor structure, and also for deflecting a third structure of the second rotation rate sensor structure, and a fourth structure of the second rotation rate sensor structure, in such a way that the first, second, third, and fourth structures are excitable into a mechanically coupled oscillation.