Vibratory gyroscope utilizing a frequency-based measurement and providing a frequency output
First Claim
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1. A method of detecting rotation rate from changes in frequency comprising:
- suspending a mass movable along or around one or more axes;
vibrating the mass along or around a first of the one or more axes at an initial sense mode frequency by a sense mode signal;
vibrating the mass along a second of the one or more axes at an initial drive mode frequency by a drive mode signal;
obtaining a change in the sense mode frequency from its initial sense mode frequency upon rotation of the mass about an axis that does not coincide with the first of the one or more axes;
wherein the change of frequency of the sense mode signal from the initial sense mode frequency is indicative of a rotation rate of the mass.
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Abstract
A vibratory gyroscope utilizing a frequency-based measurement and providing a frequency output.
24 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of detecting rotation rate from changes in frequency comprising:
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suspending a mass movable along or around one or more axes; vibrating the mass along or around a first of the one or more axes at an initial sense mode frequency by a sense mode signal; vibrating the mass along a second of the one or more axes at an initial drive mode frequency by a drive mode signal; obtaining a change in the sense mode frequency from its initial sense mode frequency upon rotation of the mass about an axis that does not coincide with the first of the one or more axes; wherein the change of frequency of the sense mode signal from the initial sense mode frequency is indicative of a rotation rate of the mass. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A rotation rate sensor comprising:
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at least one mass with two perpendicular vibration modes, capable of vibrating along an x axis at a resonant frequency fx, and capable of vibrating along a y axis at a resonant frequency fy, a first driving mechanism that imparts a sense mode vibration having frequency, amplitude, and phase to the mass along a sense mode axis, being one of the x or y axes; a second driving mechanism that imparts a drive mode vibration having frequency, amplitude, and phase to the mass along a drive mode axis, being the axis perpendicular to the sense mode axis; a first feedback circuit for monitoring the sense mode vibration and making adjustments to the first driving mechanism; and an output signal having a default frequency; wherein upon rotation of the mass about an axis orthogonal to the x and y axes, the variation in the output signal from the default frequency is indicative of a rotation rate of the mass. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of detecting rate of rotation from changes in frequency comprising:
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vibrating a mass along or around a first axis at an initial drive mode frequency by applying a force to the mass; vibrating a mass along or around a second axis at an initial sense mode frequency by applying a force to the mass; applying an additional force to the mass to restore the initial sense mode frequency of vibration to the mass; and measuring the additional force needed to restore the initial frequency of vibration.
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Specification