Coarse Positioning Mechanism Error Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coarse positioning mechanisms used in host vehicles like satellites and planes often result in unacceptable pointing errors when adjusting over larger angular fields of view due to nonlinear and cross-coupling errors, which are not effectively compensated for in precision pointing applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a compensation component within the coarse positioning mechanism to calculate and apply position commands that account for nonlinear and cross-coupling errors, allowing for precise pointing of payloads over larger angular ranges by adjusting the azimuth and elevation angles, using equations derived from the characteristics of the mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a coarse positioning mechanism is adjusted to cover a larger angular Field-Of-View (FOV), then the coverage area is improved, but pointing accuracy deteriorates due to unacceptable pointing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular Field-Of-View coverageVSAvoidpointing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary error compensation calculations before executing positioning commands. The compensation component pre-calculates correction values for nonlinear and cross-coupling errors based on the desired angular displacement, then applies these corrections to the coarse positioning mechanism commands, ensuring accurate positioning even over large angular ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the coarse positioning mechanism by applying dynamic compensation values that adjust the effective positioning accuracy. The compensation component modifies the positioning parameters in real-time based on the magnitude and direction of angular displacement, maintaining precision across varying FOV conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a coarse positioning mechanism is used for precision pointing applications, then device complexity is reduced, but pointing accuracy deteriorates due to nonlinear and cross-coupling errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidpointing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation component acts as an intermediary between the coarse positioning mechanism and the payload positioning system. It processes the positioning commands, calculates error compensations for nonlinear and cross-coupling effects, and generates corrected commands that maintain precision without requiring a more complex positioning mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the need for a complex precision mechanical positioning system with a computational approach. Instead of using expensive precision mechanical components, the invention uses mathematical compensation algorithms to achieve the same precision effect, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9660322B1Using a coarse positioning mechanism for precision pointing applications

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Apparatus, systems and methods provide for compensating for pointing errors that may occur when using a coarse positioning mechanism for pointing a payload toward a target. According to aspects of the disclosure, a coarse positioning mechanism is configured to compensate for pointing errors that may occur when pointing a payload toward a target over a large angular FOV. The coarse positioning mechanism may be configured for a variety of applications, such as precision tracking applications and precision pointing applications over a large angular FOV. The coarse positioning mechanism may include adjustment mechanisms for one or more axes that are used to adjust the pointing direction of the target.