Dual-Resonator Oscillator Layout for Low Acceleration Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oscillators are sensitive to acceleration forces, leading to undesirable frequency changes in non-stationary applications, such as vehicles and vibrating environments, due to the change in resonator frequency when subjected to acceleration.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two resonators with vectors of acceleration sensitivity that are substantially the same in magnitude and direction, with one resonator's vector mirrored relative to the other across a perpendicular plane, and arranged in a mechanically rotated manner, such as 180° around a common axis, to achieve improved anti-parallel alignment and reduced acceleration sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple resonators are used to reduce acceleration sensitivity, then frequency stability under acceleration improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple resonators (at least two) into a single oscillator system where their acceleration sensitivity vectors are arranged to be substantially identical. This merging approach allows the resonators to work together to reduce overall acceleration sensitivity while maintaining a unified oscillator structure, rather than treating them as separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of resonators relative to the oscillator housing, where the resonators are positioned and oriented such that their acceleration sensitivity vectors align in a specific asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric positioning optimizes the cancellation of acceleration effects while minimizing the impact on the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If resonators are arranged with specific vector alignment to reduce acceleration sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that the resonators have identical or substantially identical acceleration sensitivity vectors in specific directions. Rather than requiring perfect uniformity across all parameters, the invention focuses on achieving identical sensitivity characteristics in the critical acceleration directions, allowing for practical manufacturing tolerances in other aspects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation and positioning parameters of the resonators relative to the oscillator housing to achieve the desired vector alignment. By carefully selecting and adjusting these geometric parameters (positions, orientations, angles), the system achieves reduced acceleration sensitivity while accommodating standard manufacturing capabilities.
3Reliability
If resonators are mechanically rotated to achieve anti-parallel alignment, then acceleration sensitivity reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-rotating the resonators to their optimal orientations during the manufacturing and assembly process. The resonators are mechanically rotated and fixed in their predetermined positions relative to the oscillator housing before operation. This eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during device operation, as the optimal configuration is established in advance.
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 significantly reduces acceleration sensitivity, allowing for a broader angular range of vector alignment, increased production yield, and improved accuracy, while maintaining electrical coupling independence of orientation, thereby minimizing frequency changes due to acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
If a resonator is subjected to an acceleration force, its characteristic frequency changes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an oscillator comprising two resonators, the direction of the vector of acceleration sensitivity of at least one first resonator of the at least two resonators, said direction being relative to the mounting surface of said first oscillator, corresponding substantially to the reflected direction that is reflected by a mirror plane of the vector of acceleration sensitivity of at least one second resonator of the at least two resonators, said direction being relative to the mounting surface of said second oscillator. The invention also relates to an oscillator comprising two resonators, the oscillator comprising a resistor which is effectively connected in parallel with one of the resonators and the resistance value of which is less than a hundred times that of the series resonator resistance of the combined resonator at the desired resonant frequency.