Microgyroscope 3D Rotation Measurement via Segmented Oscillating Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3-D microgyroscopes are expensive, difficult to manufacture, and prone to tolerance issues due to complex spring constructions with low rigidity, making them inefficient for determining rotational movements about all three axes.
Innovation Solution
A microgyroscope design with oscillating masses divided into two groups, where the first group moves out of the x-y plane in response to Coriolis forces for x and y axis rotations, and the second group moves within the x-y plane for z axis rotations, using synchronized springs to prevent cross-coupling and simplify spring design, allowing precise and economical measurement of rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three separate microgyroscopes are used to determine rotational movements about all three axes, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate microgyroscope measurements into a single device by using one oscillating mass that can detect rotational movements about all three axes (x, y, and z) simultaneously. The mass is suspended in such a way that it can respond to Coriolis forces generated by rotations about any of the three orthogonal axes, eliminating the need for three separate sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining complete 3D rotational measurement capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex spring constructions with low rigidity are used to enable movement in multiple directions, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement functions by using a single oscillating mass that is independently responsive to Coriolis forces from rotations about each of the three orthogonal axes. The suspension system is designed with specific geometric relationships (orthogonal axes of oscillation and measurement) that allow the mass to respond to rotations about x, y, and z axes through distinct physical mechanisms, reducing the need for complex compliant spring constructions and thereby improving manufacturing precision
3Measurement precision
If masses are arranged to respond to Coriolis forces from all three axes, then measurement precision is improved, but spring construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the oscillating mass and its suspension system to achieve responses to rotations about all three orthogonal axes. By orienting the oscillation axes and measurement axes orthogonally to each other in 3D space, the design enables the single mass to detect Coriolis forces from rotations about x, y, and z axes simultaneously, improving measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex multi-directional spring constructions that would be required in a two-dimensional approach
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 enables accurate, economical, and quick detection of rotational movements by preventing superimpositions and cross-coupling errors, allowing for precise measurement of rotations about all three axes without complex suspensions or phase shifts.
Implementation Method 1
drive elements for the oscillatory swinging of at least individual masses on the x, y axis in order to generate Coriolis forces by rotating the substrate
Implementation Method 2
sensor elements for registering deflections of the masses owing to the generated Coriolis forces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a microgyroscope for determining rotational movements about an x-axis and/or a y-axis and a z-axis. Oscillating masses are fastened to a substrate by springs. Drive elements vibrate individual masses in an oscillatory manner in the x-y plane in order to produce Coriolis forces when the substrate is rotated, and sensor elements detect deflections of the masses on account of the Coriolis forces produced. The Individual masses are arranged in two groups that are jointly induced by the drive elements to carry out an oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis. The masses of the first group allow movements starting from the x-y plane, and the masses of the second group allow movements perpendicular to the oscillating primary movement in the plane of the x-y axis.