Multi-shaft Air Floatation Platform Leveling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leveling mechanisms for multi-axis supported platforms, such as gravity, four-rod, and isovolumetric hydraulic leveling systems, are unstable, have low safety coefficients, and are limited in application range, making it difficult to maintain a level state for work platforms during dynamic or static conditions, especially in simulations like space rendezvous and docking.
Innovation Solution
A measurement and control system for a multi-axis supported floatation platform that includes a load platform supported by M number of legs connected to floatation cylinders and gas bearings, with a load feedback unit, position measurement unit, safety unit, and control system utilizing pressure sensors, servo voice coil motors, and proximity sensors to dynamically adjust and maintain levelness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity (weight) leveling mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the stability is low and safety coefficient is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional gravity-based mechanical leveling system with an active control system using load cells for weight measurement, servo motors for precise position control, and a computer control system for real-time adjustment. This substitution transforms passive gravity leveling into active controlled leveling, significantly improving stability and safety while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where load cells continuously measure the weight distribution on the platform, the control system processes this data, and servo motors automatically adjust the support leg positions to maintain levelness. This feedback mechanism ensures high reliability and stability by continuously correcting deviations from the desired level state
2Device complexity
If four-rod leveling mechanism is used, then the structure is compact, but the application range is narrow and not applicable to telescopic arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal leveling system with four independently controllable support legs that can adapt to various platform configurations including telescopic arms. The computer control system can calculate and execute leveling commands for different arm positions and platform orientations, making the system applicable to multiple scenarios beyond the limitations of fixed four-rod mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static four-rod leveling structure into a dynamic system where each support leg can independently extend, retract, and adjust its position under computer control. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing platform configurations and maintain leveling effectiveness across a wide range of applications including telescopic arm scenarios
3Reliability
If isovolumetric hydraulic leveling mechanism is used, then leveling capability is provided, but it is not applicable to multi-staged telescopic arms and has narrow application range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic leveling mechanisms with an electric servo-based control system. Servo motors on each support leg provide precise positioning control without the complexity of hydraulic systems, and the computer control algorithm can handle multi-staged telescopic arm configurations that hydraulic systems cannot accommodate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback control using load cells to monitor weight distribution and GPS/level sensors to detect platform inclination. The computer control system continuously processes this feedback and adjusts servo motor positions to maintain leveling, providing adaptability to multi-staged telescopic arms that hydraulic systems lack
4Device complexity
If traditional leveling mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the leveling precision and speed are insufficient for dynamic and static states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control using load cells to monitor weight distribution on each support leg and electronic levels or GPS to detect platform inclination. The computer control system continuously processes this feedback data and dynamically adjusts servo motor positions to maintain precise leveling in both static and dynamic states, achieving high leveling precision through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms traditional static leveling mechanisms into a dynamic active control system where servo motors can rapidly adjust support leg positions in response to real-time feedback. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve high leveling precision and fast response speeds for both static platforms and moving telescopic arms
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 provides a highly precise, stable, and reliable leveling solution capable of adjusting quickly to ensure a level platform in both dynamic and static states, enhancing the precision and reliability of simulations by compensating for uneven base surfaces and maintaining a high level of load-bearing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
M number of floatation cylinders and M number of gas bearings
Implementation Method 2
M number of floatation cylinders and M number of gas bearings
Implementation Method 3
the load feedback unit comprises M number of pressure sensors
Implementation Method 4
the execution unit comprises M number of servo voice coil motors
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement control system for a multi-shaft supported air floatation platform, the system comprising a load feedback unit (5), an execution unit (6), a position measurement unit (7), a safety protection unit (8), a controller (9), a rotating motor (10), and a linear light source 11; the load feedback unit comprises M pressure sensors (5-1) and four differential sensors (5-2); the execution unit comprises M servo voice coil motors (6-1) and M servo voice coil motor drivers (6-2); the position measurement unit comprises a plane grating (7-1), M linear gratings (7-2) a linear array CCD (7-3), a tilt sensor (7-4), M electronic levels (7-5), and an indoor GPS (7-6); the safety protection unit comprises 2M proximity sensors (8-1) and M temperature sensors (8-2); and the linear array CCD consists of no few then six CCDs. The system solves the problems of leveling limitations and narrow application range of existing supporting platforms.