Single-axis centrifugal rate sensor
US4848158A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P3/22
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single-axis rate sensor for determining angular speed .theta. in inertial space of an object rotating about the axis. The rate sensor includes a mass, a motor for rotating the mass about the axis at an angular speed .omega. relative to the object, and a microcomputer for determining a centrifugal force at a radius R from the axis due to the rotation of the mass about the axis at an angular speed .OMEGA. in inertial space, where .OMEGA. is the sum of .theta. and .omega.. Alternative embodiments provide a closed loop system where .OMEGA. is held constant, and a dual rotor arrangement which can be used to reduce a nonlinear factor in a relationship between .theta. and centrifugal force and/or to provide an in-operation self-checking feature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.