Isolated resonator gyroscope with isolation trimming using a secondary element
AssigneesThe Boeing Company, California Institute of Technology
InventorsA. Dorian Challoner, Kirill V. Shcheglov
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a resonator gyroscope including an isolated resonator. One or more flexures support the isolated resonator and a baseplate is affixed to the resonator by the flexures. Drive and sense elements are affixed to the baseplate and used to excite the resonator and sense movement of the gyroscope. In addition, at least one secondary element (e.g., another electrode) is affixed to the baseplate and used for trimming isolation of the resonator. The resonator operates such that it transfers substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited. Typically, the isolated resonator comprises a proof mass and a counterbalancing plate.
Claims26
A resonator gyroscope, comprising:
- an isolated resonator;
- one or more flexures for supporting the isolated resonator;
- a baseplate affixed to the resonator by the one or more flexures;
- drive and sense elements affixed to the baseplate for exciting the resonator and sensing movement of the gyroscope;
- and
- at least one secondary element affixed to the baseplate for trimming isolation of the resonator;
- wherein the isolated resonator transfers substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited.
The resonator gyroscope of claim 4, wherein the isolated resonator comprises a proof mass and a counterbalancing plate.
A method, comprising the steps of:
- providing an isolated resonator;
- supporting the isolated resonator with one or more flexures;
- affix drive and sense electrodes to the baseplate for exciting the resonator and sensing movement of the gyroscope;
- affix at least one secondary element for trimming isolation of the resonator;
- and
- affixing a baseplate to the resonator by the one or more flexures;
- wherein the isolated resonator transfers substantially no net momentum to the baseplate when the resonator is excited.
The method of claim 17, wherein the isolated resonator comprises a proof mass and a counterbalancing plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.