Inertial Sensor Motion Simulation via Motor Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulating inertial motion in complex systems like unmanned aerial vehicles is challenging, especially for inertial navigation systems, which require accurate testing of sensors and responses to ensure proper operation and balance.
Innovation Solution
The system mechanically couples gyroscopes and accelerometers to motors and turntables, respectively, to impart actual inertial motion, allowing the inertial navigation system to generate and respond to signals, thereby simulating the effects of motion and evaluating the system's operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inertial navigation systems are tested by simulating motion trajectories, then the system can be evaluated for proper operation, but the complexity of simulating motion for complex systems increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simulating the motion of the entire inertial navigation system, the patent inverts the approach by subjecting the sensors directly to actual inertial motion through motors and turntables. This eliminates the need for complex trajectory simulation while achieving the same testing objective, as the sensors experience real inertial forces without requiring the full system to be in motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensors (gyroscopes and accelerometers) from the complete inertial navigation system and subjects them independently to controlled inertial motion. This separation allows for simplified testing of sensor responsiveness without the complexity of simulating entire system trajectories, while still evaluating the navigation system's operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are subjected to actual inertial motion through motors and turntables, then the inertial navigation system's responsiveness can be evaluated, but the mechanical coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motors and turntables as intermediary devices that generate controlled inertial motion and transfer it to the sensors. These intermediaries provide precise control over the motion parameters while isolating the sensors from the complexity of the motion generation mechanism, enabling accurate measurement of sensor responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of inertial motion (angular velocity, acceleration, direction) by adjusting motor speeds and turntable configurations. This allows evaluation of sensor responsiveness under various motion conditions without requiring complex mechanical couplings, as the parameters can be modified through control systems rather than physical reconfiguration.
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 method effectively simulates inertial motion, enabling the evaluation of inertial navigation systems' responsiveness and ensuring proper functioning, which is crucial for maintaining balance and orientation in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
imparting desired levels of inertial motion to gyroscopes and/or accelerometers of an inertial navigation system
Data Source
AI summary
Where a body includes one or more inertial motion sensors, such as gyroscopes or accelerometers, the body's response to inertial motion may be simulated by actually imparting inertial motion to the sensors, and interpreting signals received from such sensors in response to the inertial motion. Gyroscopes or accelerometers of an aerial vehicle may be physically removed therefrom and remain in communication with an inertial navigation system, and rotated by one or more motors or motorized components to simulate angular velocities on the gyroscopes or accelerations on the accelerometers. Signals received by the inertial navigation system from the gyroscopes or the accelerometers may be evaluated to confirm the operability of the gyroscopes and accelerometers, the responsiveness of the inertial navigation system to sensed inertial motion or events associated with such inertial motion, or any other aspect of the aerial vehicle.