Whole Angle Gyroscope Calibration Reducing Rate Dead Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
MEMS-based gyroscopes operating in rate mode face limitations due to dynamic range issues and spring non-linearities at high rotation rates, while whole angle mode gyroscopes offer higher performance but require precise calibration to maintain energy distribution between axes.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system and method for a whole angle gyroscope that uses a processor to model motion, calculate and reduce the 'rate dead zone' by calibrating coefficients and applying forces to improve accuracy in monitoring motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rate mode operation is used, then the gyroscope can measure angular velocity, but the dynamic range is limited and spring non-linearities cause errors at high rotation rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode operating system that dynamically switches between rate mode and whole angle mode based on detected rotation conditions. The system monitors the operation mode and automatically transitions to whole angle mode when high rotation rates are detected, thereby adapting the measurement capability to match the operational requirements and eliminating the dynamic range limitation of pure rate mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the gyroscope by switching between two distinct operational states: rate mode (measuring angular velocity) and whole angle mode (measuring angular displacement). This parameter change allows the system to overcome the spring non-linearity issues that plague rate mode at high rotation rates, since whole angle mode operates on different physical principles that are less sensitive to these non-linearities.
2Reliability
If whole angle mode is used, then higher performance and bias stability are achieved, but the rate dead zone must be reduced through complex calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback-based calibration system that uses the gyroscope's own output signals to adjust and optimize its performance parameters. The system monitors the rate dead zone characteristics and automatically adjusts calibration coefficients to minimize this effect, eliminating the need for complex manual calibration procedures while maintaining the high reliability and bias stability of whole angle mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to be self-adjusting, where the gyroscope automatically calibrates itself by utilizing its own operational data and output signals. This self-service calibration approach reduces the rate dead zone without requiring external calibration equipment or complex procedural interventions, thereby maintaining high reliability while reducing operational complexity.
3Speed
If rate mode operation is used, then the gyroscope can provide real-time angular velocity data, but filtering for demodulation limits the bandwidth and ability to keep up with high frequency inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mode selection system that adapts the operational characteristics based on the frequency content of the input signal. When high-frequency inputs are detected, the system can transition to whole angle mode which naturally provides higher bandwidth without the demodulation filtering limitations of rate mode, thereby maintaining both fast response and high measurement precision across different frequency ranges.
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
Enhances the accuracy and reliability of whole angle gyroscope operations by reducing the rate dead zone, allowing for more precise measurement of angular motion without the limitations of rate mode gyroscopes.
Implementation Method 1
Vibrational deviations in a resonator of a MEMS based gyroscope may be caused by a Coriolis force. For example, a mass moving at a given velocity will experience Coriolis acceleration when the mass is also rotated with an angular velocity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a whole angle gyroscope comprising a central point, at least one mass arranged symmetrically about the central point, a plurality of transducers, each configured to perform at least one of driving and sensing motion of the at least one mass, and a processor coupled to the plurality of transducers, the processor configured to operate the plurality of transducers to drive the at least one mass in at least a first vibratory mode and a second vibratory mode, identify a rate dead zone of the whole angle gyroscope, and operate the plurality of transducers to apply a force to the at least one mass to reduce the identified rate dead zone of the whole angle gyroscope.