Vibratory Gyroscope Calibration via Axis Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating gyroscope calibration methods require separate processes that interrupt rotation rate measurement and are not suitable for field calibration, neglecting bias considerations which lead to measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows continuous calibration of a vibrating gyroscope by rotating the excitation axis between two angular positions, enabling simultaneous rotation rate monitoring and bias determination using feedback loops and reference amplitude signals, thereby eliminating the need for multiple gyroscopes and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate calibration processes are used for vibrating gyroscope, then calibration can be performed, but rotation rate measurement is interrupted and multiple gyroscopes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration process with the rotation rate measurement process by using the same sensing axis and excitation mechanism. The gyroscope performs both calibration (determining bias and scale factor) and rotation rate measurement simultaneously without interruption, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures and multiple gyroscopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same hardware components. The excitation axis and sensing axis are utilized both for calibration operations and for continuous rotation rate measurement, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for redundant gyroscopes during calibration.
2Measurement precision
If traditional calibration methods are used, then bias can be determined, but the process is complex and not suitable for field calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope performs self-calibration by utilizing its own operational characteristics during normal measurement. The system determines its own bias and scale factor by analyzing signals already present during rotation rate measurement, without requiring external calibration equipment or complex procedural interventions, making it suitable for field calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses feedback from the gyroscope's own output signals to determine bias and scale factor. By monitoring the relationship between excitation signals and sensing axis outputs during operation, the system automatically adjusts and corrects its measurements, simplifying the calibration process while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple gyroscopes are deployed to ensure continuous measurement, then measurement continuity is maintained, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration function with the measurement function in a single gyroscope unit. By enabling calibration to occur during normal operation without interruption, the system eliminates the need for redundant gyroscopes that would otherwise be required to maintain continuous measurement during calibration periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope maintains continuous rotation rate measurement throughout the calibration process. The calibration operations are performed in the background without interrupting the measurement function, ensuring uninterrupted data collection and maintaining system reliability with a single unit rather than requiring multiple gyroscopes.
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
Enables continuous rotation rate measurement during calibration, reduces the need for redundant gyroscopes, and accurately determines bias and scale factor, enhancing the gyroscope's measurement precision and usability in field applications.
Implementation Method 1
A vibrating gyroscope is a type of gyroscope in which a resonant structure is caused to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
An angular velocity is measured through Coriolis mode excitation along Y-axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with a method of calibrating a vibrating gyroscope (1). The method comprises exciting a vibration along an excitation axis (13, 15) of a resonant structure (2) wherein the excitation axis (13, 15) is positioned at a first angular position, sensing the vibration of the resonant structure (2) on a first sensing axis (14, 16) of the resonant structure while the excitation axis (13, 15) is positioned at the first angular position, generating a first sensing signal indicative of the sensed vibration of the resonant structure (2) on the first sensing axis (13, 15), rotating the excitation axis (13, 15) in a continuous manner around the resonant structure (2) to a second angular position, sensing the vibration of the resonant structure (2) on a second sensing axis (14, 16) of the resonant structure (2) while the excitation axis (13, 15) is positioned at the second angular position, generating a second sensing signal indicative of the sensed vibration of the resonant structure (2) on the second sensing (14, 16) axis and adding the first sensing signal to the second sensing signal in order to derive a bias of the gyroscope (1).