Multi-Directional Seismic Mass Sensor for 3D Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational rate sensor devices require multiple seismic masses to detect rotations in all three spatial directions, leading to bulkier and heavier designs that are difficult to arrange and attach to rotating bodies.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device and method utilizing at most two seismic masses, with one seismic mass capable of harmonic oscillation in multiple directions, and a second seismic mass with asymmetrical oscillation projections to create three sensitive axes, allowing for the detection of rotational rates in all directions while minimizing the device's size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple seismic masses are used to detect rotations in all three spatial directions, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single seismic mass is designed to serve multiple functions by being capable of oscillation in multiple spatial directions (first, second, and third directions). This multi-functional seismic mass replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate seismic masses, thereby reducing the overall device weight while maintaining the capability to detect rotations in all three spatial directions through the Coriolis effect.
2Measurement precision
If multiple seismic masses are used to detect rotations in all three spatial directions, then measurement capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single seismic mass is designed with the capability to oscillate in multiple spatial directions, making it a multi-functional component. This eliminates the need for multiple separate seismic masses and their associated mounting structures, thereby significantly reducing the overall device volume while preserving the ability to measure rotational rates about all three spatial axes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple seismic masses are used to detect rotations in all three spatial directions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single seismic mass is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can oscillate in the first spatial direction, second spatial direction, and third spatial direction. This multi-functionality is achieved through careful design of the seismic mass and its coupling structures, thereby reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate seismic masses and their complex interconnections.
4Ease of operation
If the sensor device is made smaller and lighter, then ease of attachment is improved, but measurement capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single multi-functional seismic mass maintains full measurement capability for rotational rates in all three spatial directions while significantly reducing device size and weight. The seismic mass is designed with appropriate coupling structures that enable it to oscillate in multiple directions, ensuring that the reduced size does not compromise measurement precision but rather improves ease of attachment to rotating bodies.
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
Enables a compact, lightweight sensor device capable of measuring rotational rates in all three spatial directions with reduced seismic masses, facilitating easier attachment and operation as a rotational rate sensor or magnetic field sensor.
Implementation Method 1
the first seismic mass can be set in a harmonic oscillation with a frequency in a first spatial direction, and at the same time in a harmonic oscillation with the same frequency in a second spatial direction
Implementation Method 2
the second seismic mass can be set in an oscillating motion in such a way that a projection of the oscillating motion of the second seismic mass onto the first spatial direction is asymmetrical with respect to the first harmonic oscillation of the first seismic mass, and at the same time a projection of the oscillating motion of the second seismic mass onto the second spatial direction is asymmetrical with respect to the second harmonic oscillation of the first seismic mass
Implementation Method 3
for detecting a rotation of a body both about a first rotational axis and about a second rotational axis, have at least one first seismic mass which can be set in a harmonic oscillation with a frequency in a first spatial direction, and a second seismic mass which can be set in a harmonic oscillation with the same frequency in a second spatial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor drive includes at least one first seismic mass and an operating apparatus. The operating apparatus is configured to put the first seismic mass into oscillatory motion such that (i) a projection of the oscillatory motion of the first seismic mass onto a first spatial direction is a first harmonic oscillation of the first seismic mass at a first frequency, and (ii) a projection of the oscillatory motion of the first seismic mass onto a second spatial direction oriented at an angle to the first spatial direction is a second harmonic oscillation of the first seismic mass at a second frequency not equal to the first frequency. A method includes operating such a sensor device having at least one seismic mass.