Multi-axis fiber-optic gyroscope assembly in which each gyroscope comprises 1/3 of a specific shape
US5357339A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C19/728
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Each fiber-optic gyroscope unit is shaped like a tetragonal cone. A square plate (51) is used as a base which holds a light source module (52), a light receiving unit (detector) (53) and an optical fiber coil (54). Directional couplers (56a), (56b) are also mounted on the base (51). A phase modulator (55) which includes a piezoelectric element is disposed inside the optical fiber coil (54). A signal processing circuit board (58) which has pedestals (59) stands on the base (51) such that it positions above the optical fiber coil (54). A polarizer (510) is wound around the optical fiber coil (54). A reinforcement member (511) is also provided. All these components are so arranged as not to extend out of the tetragonal cone (OABCO*) which defines its own unit region. Three identical fiber-optic gyroscope units are combined by connecting members (512, 513, 514) to form a single fiber-optic gyroscope to detect rotational angular velocities about three orthogonal axes. Since identical units ( 50) are used, the assembly is easy, and since the three units (50) are combined with respect to the axis of symmetry, the combined units (50) form a compact gyroscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.