Multi-Axial Angular Velocity Sensor Package Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-axial angular velocity sensors face challenges in efficiently detecting angular velocities across multiple axes due to limitations in sensor element configuration and packaging, which affects accuracy and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axial angular velocity sensor design featuring a thin cuboid shape with three sensor elements mounted in a package, each detecting angular velocity along distinct axes, utilizing piezoelectric vibration type sensors with specific excitation and detecting electrodes configurations, and an integrated circuit for signal processing, optimized for compactness and reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three sensor elements are arranged in one line or L-shape in a package, then multi-axial angular velocity detection is achieved, but the package becomes elongated with increased dead space and reduced strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular velocity detection accuracyVSAvoidpackage elongation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar arrangements (one line or L-shape) to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where sensor elements are arranged in different layers vertically. This dimensional change allows compact packaging without elongation, fitting sensor elements into the thickness direction rather than spreading them out in the plane, thereby reducing dead space and improving package strength while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If sensor elements are mounted in a package with traditional configurations, then angular velocity detection is achieved, but interference between sensor elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidinterference between sensor elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the package into multiple distinct layers, with each sensor element positioned in a separate layer. This segmentation physically isolates the sensor elements from each other, reducing mutual interference while maintaining their detection functions. The layered structure creates clear spatial separation between sensing zones, improving reliability by minimizing cross-axis interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If sensor elements are arranged with orientations parallel to short sides of the package, then mounting is achieved, but the package length in the long side direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor element mountingVSAvoidpackage length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the thickness dimension (short side direction) to arrange sensor elements in stacked layers, rather than extending them along the long side direction. By orienting sensor elements parallel to the long sides and stacking them in the thickness direction, the package length is minimized while still accommodating all sensor elements with proper mounting orientations for their respective detection axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances detection accuracy and reliability by minimizing interference between sensor elements and improving signal processing, while also reducing the package's elongation and dead space, thus increasing strength and mounting efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A piezoelectric vibration type sensor for example has a piezoelectric body having a plurality of arms, excitation electrodes positioned in portions of the plurality of arms, and detecting electrodes positioned in other portions of the plurality of arms.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3872878B1Multi-axial angular velocity sensor
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3872878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872878B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872878B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a multi-axial angular velocity sensor, a substrate part perpendicular to a D3 axis includes a pair of long sides parallel to a D2 axis and a pair of short sides parallel to a D1 axis. Three sensor elements for the three axes are mounted on an upper surface of the substrate part. A piezoelectric body of each of the sensor elements comprises a plurality of arms. Theses arms extend in a predetermined direction of extension in a plane perspective of the upper surface. The piezoelectric body has the direction of extension as its long direction. Two of the three sensor element are arranged side by side in a direction along the short sides of the substrate part with orientations so that the directions of extension become parallel to the long sides. A remaining one is arranged in a direction along the long sides relative to the two elements with an orientation so that the direction of extension becomes parallel to the short sides.