Extension-Mode Angular Velocity Sensor Single Drive Multi-Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angular velocity sensors require multiple drive systems and electronics for each axis, leading to increased complexity, cost, and power consumption, while none utilize a single drive system moving in an extension mode with multiple masses for multi-axis sensing.

Innovation Solution

An angular rate sensor design featuring multiple masses that move in an extension mode, driven by a single actuator and sensed by transducers, allowing multiple axes to be sensed using a single drive system, which simplifies the design, reduces size, and lowers power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple drive systems are used for each axis, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drive systems into a single drive system that can sense multiple axes simultaneously. The single drive system uses a mass that can be driven in a first direction while sensing rotation about a first axis, and the same mass is used for sensing rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, thereby merging the functionality of multiple drive systems into one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mass serves multiple functions: it is driven by the actuator in a first direction to sense rotation about a first axis, and simultaneously serves as the sensing element for rotation about a second axis. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate drive systems for each axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive systems are used for each axis, then sensing coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple drive systems into a single integrated drive system that provides sensing coverage for multiple axes. This reduction in the number of components directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive sensing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive mass performs multiple sensing functions for different axes, making the system more versatile and reducing the overall component count, which in turn reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive systems are used for each axis, then sensing capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drive systems into one, which reduces the total power consumption since only one actuator needs to be operated instead of multiple independent drive systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive system is designed to sense multiple axes simultaneously, providing comprehensive sensing capability while consuming less power than multiple separate drive systems would require.

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 enables a smaller, cost-effective, and power-efficient angular rate sensor capable of sensing multiple axes with a single drive system, reducing production costs and simplifying electronics.

Implementation Method 1

At least one actuator drives the masses in an extension mode, such that in the extension mode the masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards the center of mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtension mode vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

At least one transducer senses at least one Coriolis force resulting from motion of the masses and angular velocity about at least one input axis of the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoriolis force: Coriolis Force

Data Source

PatentUS9683844B2Extension-mode angular velocity sensor

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 INVENSENSE INC

AI summary

An angular velocity sensor including a drive extension mode. In one aspect, an angular rate sensor includes a base and at least three masses disposed substantially in a plane parallel to the base, the masses having a center of mass. At least one actuator drives the masses in an extension mode, such that in the extension mode the masses move in the plane simultaneously away or simultaneously towards the center of mass. At least one transducer senses at least one Coriolis force resulting from motion of the masses and angular velocity about at least one input axis of the sensor. Additional embodiments can include a linkage that constrains the masses to move in the extension mode.