Triaxial Micro Gyroscope with Tangential Mass Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro gyroscopes for determining rotational movements about three perpendicular spatial axes (x, y, z) are expensive, difficult to control, and provide insufficiently accurate measurements due to cross-axis interference and actuation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A micro gyroscope design featuring tangentially oscillating masses about the z axis, with springs and tie bolts for stabilization, and drive elements for maintaining tangential vibrations, generating Coriolis forces that cause deflections detectable by sensor elements, while decoupling radial and tangential movements to improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three separate micro gyroscopes are used to determine rotations about all three axes, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate gyroscope functions into a single integrated device by arranging oscillating masses that can sense rotations about all three axes (x, y, and z) simultaneously through their coupled mechanical structure and Coriolis force interactions
2Adaptability or versatility
If masses are arranged circularly about a central tie bolt to create tridimensional gyroscope, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing precision and actuation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circular mass arrangement into discrete oscillating masses positioned at specific locations (including tilted positions and radial positions) with independent drive elements, allowing each mass to be manufactured and positioned separately while contributing to the overall triaxial measurement capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor elements are positioned to detect Coriolis force deflections, then measurement capability is improved, but cross-axis interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific local functions to different mass-sensor combinations: some masses are optimized for detecting rotations about the x-axis, others for the y-axis, and others for the z-axis, with their sensor elements positioned to detect Coriolis forces in specific directions while being mechanically isolated from cross-axis interference
4Ease of operation
If tangential oscillation is used to drive masses, then actuation capability is improved, but radial movement interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the movement detection function by using separate masses for tangential actuation and radial sensing: oscillating masses are driven tangentially about the z-axis while separate sensor elements detect radial deflections caused by Coriolis forces, physically separating the actuation and sensing functions to eliminate interference
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 measurement accuracy by isolating radial movements of sensor elements from tangential actuation, allowing precise determination of rotational speeds about each axis without interference, resulting in a more balanced and reliable triaxial sensing system.
Implementation Method 1
the oscillating masses are subject to Coriolis forces and the deflections caused by them when the substrate rotates around any spatial axis
Implementation Method 2
the oscillating masses are fastened to the substrate with springs and tie bolts
Data Source
AI summary
A micro gyroscope determine three-dimensional rotational movements is mounted on a substrate on which a plurality of masses tangentially oscillate about the z axis perpendicular to the substrate. The oscillating masses are fastened to the substrate by springs and bolts. Driving elements maintain oscillating tangential vibrations of the masses about the z axis. Upon rotation of the substrate about any spatial axis, the masses are subjected to deflections caused by Corolis forces that are detected by sensor elements. Certain masses oscillating about the z axis are tiltable about the x axis, while some others are tiltable about the y axis. At least one other mass is configured to deflect radially to the z axis in a x-y plane parallel to the plane of the substrate. This mass is assigned a sensor element that can deflect radially with respect to the axis but cannot oscillate about the z axis.