Lever-Coupled Gyroscope for Pitch/Roll Sensitivity and Mode Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitch and roll gyroscopes suffer from low sensitivity and spurious modes due to inefficient out-of-plane springs and limitations in lever length, leading to poorer detection performance compared to yaw gyroscopes.
Innovation Solution
A novel gyroscope design with a lever pivotably mounted around a fulcrum axis, where proof masses are connected to drive frames via connection axes further away from the fulcrum, and strain gauges are used to enhance sensitivity by increasing the lever tilting angle and reducing spurious modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If out-of-plane springs are used to connect proof masses to drive frames in pitch/roll gyroscopes, then the gyroscope can detect rotational motion, but the springs are less efficient leading to lower sensitivity compared to yaw gyroscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional spring arrangement by positioning the connection axis further from the fulcrum than the coupling axis, creating an inverted lever configuration that improves spring efficiency for out-of-plane motion detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from in-plane motion detection to out-of-plane motion detection by orienting the proof masses and springs perpendicular to the drive frame plane, enabling pitch/roll detection with enhanced sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If the lever length is reduced to convert additional energy into stretching/compression of strain gauges, then sensitivity improves, but rotational in-plane spurious modes arise that are detrimental to performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the lever configuration by positioning the connection axis at a greater distance from the fulcrum than the coupling axis, creating an asymmetric lever arm that enhances sensitivity while suppressing spurious modes through balanced moment arms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the lever geometry parameters, specifically the distances from fulcrum to connection axis and fulcrum to coupling axis, to achieve the optimal balance between sensitivity enhancement and spurious mode suppression
3Measurement precision
If three yaw devices are assembled to achieve high-performance pitch/roll detection, then detection performance improves, but assembly costs increase and perfect axes alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated pitch/roll gyroscope structure, combining the drive frames, proof masses, and lever mechanisms into one monolithic device that detects both pitch and roll motions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pitch/roll gyroscope that can detect rotational motion around two perpendicular axes within the same device plane, making the sensor multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate yaw devices
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
The design achieves higher sensitivity and reduces spurious modes, bringing pitch/roll gyroscope performance closer to yaw gyroscopes, enabling compact 2-axis or 3-axis high-performance gyroscopes with improved signal output.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain gauge mechanically stressed by the lever when said lever is rotating around the fulcrum axis
Implementation Method 2
the proof masses are subjected to a Coriolis acceleration inducing movement along a direction perpendicular to both the direction along the rotation vector and the drive excitation direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inertial sensor comprising a substrate extending along a rotation direction and a drive excitation direction, a first and a second drive frames, an excitation device, a first and a second proof mass hingedly connected to the first and second drive frames along a first and a second connection axis respectively, a lever pivotably mounted around a fulcrum axis, strain gauges mechanically stressed by the lever when said lever is rotating around the fulcrum axis, wherein the first proof mass is rotationally connected to the lever along a first coupling axis, the second proof mass is rotationally connected to the lever along a second coupling axis, the first connection axis is further away from the fulcrum axis than the first coupling axis, the second connection axis is further away from the fulcrum axis than the second coupling axis.