Multi-IMU Inertial Measurement Board for Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interference between individual IMUs in a multi-IMU system causes beat noise, leading to errors in angular velocity detection, particularly due to similar manufacturing variations and vibrations.

Innovation Solution

The multi-IMU apparatus is designed with a specific island-like structure on a printed circuit board, where IMUs are mounted on less rigid connection portions, reducing the propagation of drive vibrations and minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple IMUs are mounted on a rigid board to ensure stable mounting, then mounting stability is improved, but vibration interference and beat noise between IMUs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidvibration interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The board is divided into separate mounting portions for each IMU, with each portion independently connected to the board edge through its own connection portion. This segmentation isolates the vibration paths between different IMUs while maintaining stable mounting for each unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the board have different rigidity characteristics. The connection portions are designed with lower rigidity compared to the board itself, creating a localized flexibility that allows vibration isolation at the connection points while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If connection portions are made highly rigid to ensure stable IMU mounting, then mounting precision is improved, but vibration propagation between IMUs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting precisionVSAvoidvibration propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portions are specifically designed with lower rigidity than the board, creating a localized flexibility that allows vibration isolation at the connection points while maintaining overall structural stability and mounting precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portions act as intermediary elements between the board and the mounting portions. Their reduced rigidity allows them to function as vibration isolators while still providing sufficient mechanical connection for stable mounting, mediating between the conflicting requirements of rigidity and vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If IMUs are mounted closely together to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but interference between IMUs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidIMU interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection portions with reduced rigidity act as intermediary vibration isolators between the board and mounting portions, allowing IMUs to be mounted closely together while preventing vibration interference through the connection portions' flexible characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration effectively curbs beat noise and improves detection accuracy by reducing interference between IMUs, allowing for high-precision angular velocity measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration type IMU using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) used for a multi-IMU using a plurality of IMUs, including an example of PTL 1, detects an angular velocity on the basis of a coriolis force generated by rotating an object while applying a vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the connection portion is less rigid than the board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Implementation Method 3

detects an angular velocity on the basis of a coriolis force generated by rotating an object while applying a vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoriolis force: Coriolis Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250327669A1Inertial measurement apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an inertial measurement apparatus capable of improving detection accuracy of a multi-IMU. A square opening is provided on a board, and four island portions having a size corresponding to ¼ of the opening and mounting one inertial measurement unit (IMU) are connected to a part of a right portion or a left portion from a center of each side of the opening by a connection portion less rigid than the board or island portion. The inertial measurement apparatus can be applied to a plurality of IMUs.