Actuator Torque Balancing via Magnetic Flux Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems using multiple electromechanical actuators, there is a challenge in coordinating the forces applied by individual actuators to prevent 'force fighting' and ensure they work in concert, especially when one actuator operates outside its design limits or fails, hindering the movement or positioning of structural components like flight control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes magnetic flux sensors in each actuator to detect magnetic flux density and a control unit that generates drive command signals to balance torque across actuators, deactivating or modifying actuator drivers to maintain balanced operation within preset limits, ensuring synchronized movement of structural components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to move and position a structure, then the reliability and capability of the system are improved, but the actuators may resist or fight one another when operating outside design limits or when one fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the magnetic flux density of each actuator and using this information to adjust the drive command signals. The control unit receives feedback from magnetic flux sensors in each actuator and modifies the control signals to balance torque distribution, preventing force fighting when actuators operate outside design limits or when one fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of individual actuators by adjusting drive command signals based on detected magnetic flux density. When an actuator's magnetic flux density exceeds preset limits, the control unit modifies its drive parameters to reduce torque output, thereby balancing the forces among multiple actuators and preventing harmful force fighting.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic flux sensors and control units are added to monitor and balance actuator torque, then force fighting is prevented and coordination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical torque balancing mechanisms with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical linkages or physical constraints to balance actuator forces, the system uses magnetic flux sensors and electronic control units to detect and adjust torque distribution, simplifying the mechanical structure while improving coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting magnetic flux density in each actuator and modifying drive command signals without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and autonomously balances torque distribution, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents force fighting among actuators by balancing torque applied to structural components, ensuring smooth and coordinated movement, even when individual actuators operate outside their limits, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of actuator systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic flux sensor in a motor of each actuator senses a magnetic flux in an associated motor
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for controlling multiple actuators that are attached to a structure for moving and positioning the structure include a magnetic flux sensor in a motor of each actuator. The magnetic flux sensor senses a magnetic flux in an associated motor and generates an electrical signal that corresponds to the magnetic flux in the associated motor. The system also includes a control unit that receives the electrical signal from the magnetic flux sensor of each actuator. The control unit is configured to generate a drive command signal to each actuator that balances a torque applied to the structure by each actuator in response to the magnetic flux sensed in the motor of each actuator.