Multi axis angular rate sensor having a single dither axis
US4821572A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C19/5776
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A Coriolis rate sensor for determining both angular rate and linear acceleration with respect to three orthogonal axes. A first embodiment of the rate sensor (10) includes three pairs of accelerometers (26, 28, and 30) mounted on counter-rotating frame members (20, 22). The accelerometers are mounted with their sensitive axes antiparallel with each other, forming an acute angle with the common axis (40) about which the upper and lower frame members are counter-rotated back and forth in a dither motion. The upper and lower frame members are connected to a baseplate (12) by flex links (32), which are aligned radially about the axis. The flex links provide a relatively rigid support (in compression) between the frame members and the centrally disposed baseplate, yet readily permit counter-rotation of the two frame members. A link (56) prevents all but relative rotational movement between the frame members and baseplate. A pair of electromagnetic coils (42) and pole pieces (50) provide a sinusoidal driving force to counter-rotate the upper and lower frame members relative to each other to ensure that the upper and lower frame members are directly coupled to each other and to the basepl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.