Torsional Gyroscope Planar Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-scale gyroscopes, such as tuning fork gyroscopes, require a larger form factor to measure rotation about three axes, which is not suitable for space-constrained applications like tablet computers and mobile phone handsets.
Innovation Solution
A torsional gyroscope system with a piezoelectric drive tine and pickup tine, where an electric field induces rotational oscillations and torsional strain, allowing for planar three-dimensional inertial sensor systems to measure rotation about three axes within a smaller form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tuning fork gyroscopes are used to measure rotation about three axes, then measurement capability is achieved, but form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gyroscope sensing elements into a single integrated device. The first and second tuning fork gyroscopes are mounted on the same plane, and the third torsional gyroscope is integrated with them, allowing all three gyroscopes to be disposed along the same plane rather than requiring out-of-plane mounting for the third axis measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional spatial arrangement (where the third gyroscope would need to be mounted out-of-plane) to a two-dimensional planar configuration. By using a torsional gyroscope design that senses rotation about the third axis within the same plane as the other two gyroscopes, the patent eliminates the need for vertical stacking or out-of-plane mounting.
2Measurement precision
If a third tuning fork gyroscope is mounted out-of-plane to measure the third axis, then three-axis measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the third gyroscope for the third axis measurement with the first and second gyroscopes into a single integrated device. The torsional gyroscope is designed to work in conjunction with the tuning fork gyroscopes, sharing common structural elements and mounting requirements, thereby simplifying the overall device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated gyroscope device where a single device performs three-axis rotation measurement. The first and second tuning fork gyroscopes measure rotation about the first and second axes, while the third torsional gyroscope measures rotation about the third axis, all within the same integrated structure mounted on a single plane.
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 the integration of all three gyroscopes in a planar configuration, providing a smaller form factor suitable for portable devices while accurately measuring pitch, roll, and yaw, enhancing their usability in space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
The drive tine has a length along a first axis, and the drive tine comprises a piezoelectric material... an electric field applied to the drive electrodes will induce a rotational oscillation of the drive tine
Implementation Method 2
Angular rotation of the oscillating drive mass about a third axis will induce a torque about a second axis that will induce a torsional strain in the pickup tine that will induce an electric field in the pickup tine that will induce an electrical charge to build up in the plurality of pickup electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A torsional gyroscope is provided that includes: a pickup tine and a drive tine of piezoelectric material, pickup electrodes disposed along the pickup tine, drive electrodes disposed along the drive tine, and a drive mass. The drive tine has a first end attached to the pickup tine and is transverse to the drive tine. The drive mass is attached to a second end of the drive tine opposite the first end of the drive tine. An electric field applied to the drive electrodes induces a rotational oscillation of the drive tine causing the drive tine to rotate about the first axis, inducing the drive mass to rotate about the first axis. Angular rotation of the drive mass along a third axis induces a torque in the pickup tine that induces an electric field in the pickup tine that induces an electrical charge to build up in the pickup electrodes.