Abstract: A micromechanical sensor that can detect shock effects in order to prevent false measurements. The sensor includes a substrate having a measurement axis and a detection axis that are disposed orthogonally to each other, and first and second driving masses disposed in a plane containing the measurement and detection axes. Each of the driving masses is rotatably coupled to the substrate via a central suspension disposed on the detection axis. The sensor includes drive electrodes that generate rotary motions in each of the driving masses about a drive axis thereof. At least one elastic connecting element allows the driving masses to deflect in opposite directions in response to a rate of rotation about the measurement axis but deflect in the same direction in response to a shock condition.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention allow for increased shock robustness in gyroscopes. In certain embodiments, immunity against undesired forces that corrupt signal output is provided by a chessboard-pattern architecture of proof masses that provides a second layer of differential signals not present in existing designs. Masses are aligned parallel to each other in a two-by-two configuration with two orthogonal symmetry axes. The masses are driven to oscillate in such a way that each mass moves anti-parallel to an adjacent proof mass. In some embodiments of the invention, a mechanical joint system interconnects proof masses to suppress displacements due to mechanical disturbances, while permitting displacements due to Coriolis forces to prevented erroneous sensor signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention integrate multiple shock-robust single-axis MEMS gyroscopes into a single silicon substrate while avoiding the complexities typically associated with designing a multi-drive control system for shock immune gyroscopes. In certain embodiments of the invention, a shock immune tri-axial MEMS gyroscope is based on a driving scheme that employs rotary joints to distribute driving forces generated by two sets of driving masses to individual sensors, thereby, simplifying the control of the gyroscope.

Abstract: A micromechanical Coriolis rate of rotation sensor for detecting a rate of rotation, comprising a substrate, a measurement axis, a detection axis, and a drive axis, each disposed orthogonally to each other and a first and a second driving mass disposed in a plane parallel to the substrate. Each driving mass being rotatably connected to the substrate by means of a central suspension. The two central suspensions being disposed along the detection axis. Drive electrodes generate rotary motions of the driving masses about the drive axis at each central suspension. Elastic connecting elements are disposed on each of the driving masses on both sides of the detection axis to connect and oscillate the two driving masses to synchronize their rotary motions.

Abstract: A micromechanical Coriolis rate of rotation sensor for detecting a rate of rotation, comprising a substrate, a measurement axis (X-axis), a detection axis (Y-axis), and a drive axis (Z-axis), each disposed orthogonally to each other and a first and a second driving mass (2) disposed in an X-Y plane parallel to the substrate. Each driving mass (2) being rotatably connected to the substrate by means of a central suspension. The two central suspensions being disposed along the Y-axis. Drive means are used for generating a rotational oscillation of the driving masses (2) about the drive axis (Z) at each central suspension. At least one elastic connecting element (5) is disposed on each of the driving masses (2) on both sides of the Y-axis and spaced apart from the same for connecting and oscillating the two driving masses (2) in a mutually tuned manner.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention allow for increased shock robustness in gyroscopes. In certain embodiments, immunity against undesired forces that corrupt signal output is provided by a chessboard-pattern architecture of proof masses that provides a second layer of differential signals not present in existing designs. Masses are aligned parallel to each other in a two-by-two configuration with two orthogonal symmetry axes. The masses are driven to oscillate in such a way that each mass moves anti-parallel to an adjacent proof mass. In some embodiments of the invention, a mechanical joint system interconnects proof masses to suppress displacements due to mechanical disturbances, while permitting displacements due to Coriolis forces to prevented erroneous sensor signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention integrate multiple shock-robust single-axis MEMS gyroscopes into a single silicon substrate while avoiding the complexities typically associated with designing a multi-drive control system for shock immune gyroscopes. In certain embodiments of the invention, a shock immune tri-axial MEMS gyroscope is based on a driving scheme that employs rotary joints to distribute driving forces generated by two sets of driving masses to individual sensors, thereby, simplifying the control of the gyroscope.

Abstract: A water flow rate sensing device for water ducts, comprising a thermal sensor (20) capable of measuring the flow by measuring the removal of heat by a heater from the water; an elongated support (9)/in particular, tubular, having the sensor (20) mounted at a free end thereof so that the support is inserted laterally with respect to the duct through a hole and cantilevered in order to keep the sensor in a central zone of the duct. The free end of the support comprises a lamina-shaped extension member. Furthermore, the device comprises means (5,7) for transmitting a measuring signal to a remote control unit. The invention comprises also a method for measuring the water flow.