Inertial Measurement Unit Orthogonal Surface Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inertial measurement units (IMUs) with tetrahedral structures are complex and costly due to the need for multiple mounting planes for out-of-plane sensors, whereas in-plane sensors can provide redundant sensing without this complexity.
Innovation Solution
In-plane sensors are mounted on two orthogonal planar surfaces, with specific angular orientations to achieve tetrahedral angle redundancy, allowing for three-axis coverage without the need for multiple mounting planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If out-of-plane sensors are arranged in a tetrahedral structure for redundant sensing, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mounting planes into a single planar substrate by using in-plane sensors instead of out-of-plane sensors. Multiple sensors are mounted on the same plane with their sensitive axes oriented at tetrahedral angles (approximately 109.47 degrees) to each other, combining the function of multiple planes into one plane and thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining redundant sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from out-of-plane sensing (where sensors are mounted on different planes in three-dimensional space) to in-plane sensing (where all sensors are mounted on a single plane but their sensitive axes are oriented in different directions within that plane). This dimensional change allows achieving tetrahedral angle redundancy without requiring multiple mounting planes, thus simplifying the device structure.
2Reliability
If out-of-plane sensors are mounted on multiple planes to achieve tetrahedral configuration, then sensing redundancy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting planes into a single planar substrate, making manufacturing easier. All in-plane sensors are mounted on the same plane with their sensitive axes oriented at tetrahedral angles, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple angled mounting planes, thereby significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining sensor redundancy.
3Device complexity
If in-plane sensors are mounted on two orthogonal surfaces, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but achieving proper angular orientation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single planar substrate that serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for all sensors and establishes the tetrahedral angle relationships between them. By making the substrate itself the universal reference plane for all sensor orientations, it eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting planes, reducing structural complexity while providing clear manufacturing references for achieving precise angular orientations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mounting in-plane sensors of an inertial measurement unit. The method includes the steps of: providing a structure having first and second planar surfaces oriented orthogonally to one another, positioning a plurality of sensors on the first planar surface such that each of the sensors has a sense axis extending parallel to the first planar surface, positioning at least one other sensor on the second planar surface such that the at lease one other sensor has a sense axis extending parallel to the second planar surface, and orienting the sensors on the first and second surfaces so that the angles formed between any two sense axes are equal.