Gyroscope tuning tabs on support spokes for frequency control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-scale gyroscope frequency tuning methods face challenges such as low Q and frequency splits due to added materials, difficulty in trimming near vibrating regions, and surface non-flatness, leading to compromised bias stability and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A gyroscope structure with a cylindrical shell, pedestal, and spokes featuring tuning tabs made of dielectric materials like silicon or SiO2, allowing for frequency tuning by modifying the mass of these tabs via laser ablation or removal, separate from the micro-shell structure to preserve symmetry and avoid complex electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If materials are added to a micro-scale gyroscope structure for frequency tuning, then frequency tuning capability is improved, but Q factor decreases and frequency splits occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tuning function from the main resonating structure by creating separate tuning tabs on the support spokes. These tabs can be independently removed or ablated to adjust frequency without adding materials to the resonating structure itself, thus preserving the high Q factor while enabling frequency tuning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the main resonating structure and separate tuning tabs on support spokes. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the resonating structure maintains high Q while the tabs provide adjustable frequency tuning through selective removal.
2Manufacturing precision
If trimming is performed near vibrating regions for frequency tuning, then frequency precision is improved, but the structure may be ruined and material properties degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The support spokes act as intermediaries between the non-vibrating pedestal and the vibrating micro-shell. By placing tuning tabs on these intermediary spokes rather than directly on the vibrating shell, the invention enables precise frequency adjustment while isolating the trimming process from critical vibrating regions, preventing structural damage.
3Reliability
If tuning is performed further away from vibrating regions, then structural safety is improved, but surface flatness and trimmability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating flat, trimmable tuning tabs on the support spokes at locations optimized for both safety and manufacturability. These tabs have locally optimized geometry - flat surfaces for easy laser trimming - while being positioned on the spokes rather than the vibrating shell, thus achieving both structural safety and ease of manufacture.
4Strength
If spoke thickness is similar to resonant structure thickness or different materials are used, then structural support is improved, but frequency tuning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses homogeneity by making the tuning tabs and spokes from the same material as the micro-shell resonating structure. This eliminates material property mismatches that would cause frequency splits, while the tabs are positioned on the spokes to provide structural support. The uniform material composition ensures consistent vibrational characteristics throughout the entire structure.
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 precise frequency tuning to reduce or eliminate frequency splits, enhancing gyroscope sensitivity and bias stability with passive tuning, avoiding the need for added metals and maintaining high Q values, suitable for navigation-grade performance in compact form factors.
Implementation Method 1
frequency tuning by modifying the mass of these tabs via laser ablation or removal
Data Source
AI summary
A gyroscope includes a cylindrical shell having a first end and a second end, a pedestal, a plurality of spokes coupled from the pedestal to the second end of the cylindrical shell, and a plurality of tuning tabs extending from one or more of the plurality of spokes.