An Elastic Suspension Design Framework for Tuned Gyroscopes

Abstract

This paper presents a design for a new tuned gyroscope framework consisting of a heavy rotor supported by a heli-flex suspension. Inherently free of 2ω drift-error, the gyro can be precisely tuned by adjusting pre-extension between two ends of its helix. The symmetrical support structure of this isotropic helical suspension design significantly reduces error moment caused by linear acceleration, and the device eliminates G2 drift by virtue of its desirable anisoelasticity characteristic. The gyro design is simple, highly manufacturable, and when appropriate suspension parameters are used, produces a long-term drift-rate of 0.01 deg./hr.