Two degree of freedom rate gyroscope

摘要

A rate gyroscope having a spinning mass coupled to a rotor through a pair of orthogonally disposed flexible, diametrically extending suspension arms. The spinning mass is adapted to pivot about the arms in response to a pair of orthogonal angular rates being measured by the gyroscope. The angular orientation of the mass with respect to the gyroscope housing provides an indication of the angular rates. An optical sensor system disposed within the gyroscope and supporting electronics are used to produce an electrical signal representative of the angular orientation of the mass and, hence, such signal provides a measurement of the pair of angular rates being measured by the gyroscope.