Rotating-Stage Sensor for Accurate Tilt and Azimuth Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors using MEMS structures face challenges in accurately detecting azimuth and tilt angles due to axis misalignment errors and complex control mechanisms, limiting their miniaturization and stability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design incorporating a stage with two detection elements that rotate in orthogonal directions, each detecting accelerations along a specific axis, and a controller that processes signals from these elements to correct for misalignment, enabling accurate detection of tilt and azimuth angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection element is used to detect azimuth and tilt angles, then the device structure is simple, but axis misalignment errors occur and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single detection element is segmented into two separate detection elements: a first detection element for detecting azimuth angle and a second detection element for detecting tilt angle. This segmentation eliminates axis misalignment errors by dedicating each element to a specific measurement function, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining structural simplicity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotation body is introduced as an intermediary component that rotates about a rotation axis. The first detection element is provided on the rotation body while the second detection element is provided on the stationary part. This intermediary rotation body enables independent optimization of each detection element's orientation, eliminating misalignment errors and improving measurement accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex control mechanisms are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex control mechanisms are extracted and replaced by a simplified detection architecture using two dedicated detection elements. The first detection element measures azimuth angle directly while the second detection element measures tilt angle directly. This extraction of unnecessary control complexity achieves high measurement precision through simple, independent detection elements that are easier to miniaturize.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system serves itself by using the natural rotation of the rotation body about the rotation axis. The first detection element on the rotating part and the second detection element on the stationary part automatically capture the required orientation information through their fixed geometric relationships, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms and enabling miniaturization.
3Volume of moving object
If detection elements are positioned to detect both azimuth and tilt angles, then the device structure is compact, but axis misalignment errors occur and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection element is given a specialized local quality or function: the first detection element is optimized specifically for azimuth angle detection while the second detection element is optimized specifically for tilt angle detection. This local specialization ensures that each element operates in its optimal orientation, eliminating misalignment errors and improving reliability, while the overall compact structure is maintained through the efficient use of the rotation body geometry.
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 sensor provides stable and accurate detection of orientation and tilt angles with reduced complexity, facilitating miniaturization and improved performance by suppressing errors from axis misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection element configured to detect a first acceleration including a component along the second direction
Implementation Method 2
a second detection element configured to detect a second acceleration including a component along the first direction
Implementation Method 3
the second portion being configured to rotate along a circumferential direction with the rotation axis as a center when the stage rotating
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a stage, a driver, and a detector. The stage includes a first portion and a second portion. The driver is configured to rotate the stage. A rotation axis of the stage passes through the first portion and is along a first direction. A second direction from the first portion to the second portion crosses the first direction. The second portion is configured to rotate along a circumferential direction with the rotation axis as a center when the stage rotating. The detector is provided at the second portion. The detector includes a first detection element configured to detect a first acceleration including a component along the second direction, and a second detection element configured to detect a second acceleration including a component along the first direction.