Active Structural Control via Elasticity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structures such as vehicles and aircraft face non-optimal elastic responses to forces like wind gusts and aerodynamic loading, which can adversely affect their operational health and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time active control of structures using elasticity measurements to identify non-optimal events and activate control mechanisms, such as control surfaces and lift surfaces, to compensate for these events based on predetermined event thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If structures are designed with elasticity to respond to operational forces, then the structure can accommodate aerodynamic loading and wind gusts, but the non-optimal elastic response adversely affects operational health and increases maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors structural elasticity in real-time and feeds this information back to the control mechanism. When non-optimal elastic response is detected (exceeding predetermined thresholds), the feedback loop triggers active control actions to correct the structural response, thereby maintaining operational health while preserving the beneficial elastic adaptability of the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically adjusts structural parameters (such as control surface positions and lift surface configurations) in response to measured elasticity variations. By changing these parameters in real-time based on measured elastic response, the system optimizes the structural behavior to maintain operational health under varying aerodynamic conditions
2Duration of action of stationary object
If real-time elasticity measurement and active control systems are implemented, then structural life is prolonged and maintenance time is reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls aerodynamic surfaces for flight performance, actively compensates for non-optimal elastic responses, and extends structural life through fatigue reduction. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving prolonged structural life
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors its own structural health through integrated elasticity sensors and automatically activates control mechanisms when non-optimal conditions are detected. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external monitoring and manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining extended structural life through continuous active control
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for actively controlling a structure is disclosed. At least one non-optimal event is identified in real-time based on at least one real-time elasticity measurement, if an event threshold exceeds a predetermined value. In response to an active control command, a control mechanism is then activated in real-time to compensate for the non-optimal event.