Control Allocation Matrix for Missile Actuator Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current four-fin missile control actuation systems are complex and inadequate for compensating for a wide range of fault conditions, as they require fault detection and active reconfiguration to transfer authority from failed actuators to redundant ones, which increases system complexity and may not effectively handle large fault scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A control actuation system that employs a control allocation matrix and an inverse control allocation matrix to map autopilot commands to actuator signals, allowing for improved fault tolerance and system robustness without the need for fault detection mechanisms, by using a feedback mechanism that positions control effectors and adjusts signals to achieve desired roll, pitch, and yaw commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fault detection and active reconfiguration are implemented to transfer authority from failed actuators to redundant actuators, then fault tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control allocation matrix automatically adapts to actuator faults without requiring external fault detection or manual reconfiguration. The matrix self-adjusts by redistributing control authority among available actuators based on their current operational status, enabling the system to serve itself during fault conditions rather than requiring complex external intervention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control allocation matrix is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing real-time redistribution of control commands from failed actuators to functional redundant actuators. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to adapt to varying fault conditions without requiring predetermined fault detection logic or complex switching mechanisms
2Reliability
If traditional control systems are designed to handle a wide range of fault conditions, then reliability is improved, but the system may be inadequate for compensating for large fault scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The control allocation matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes control commands to healthy actuators, automatically compensates for various types of actuator faults, and maintains system stability across different fault scenarios. This universal approach allows a single mechanism to handle diverse fault conditions without requiring specialized compensation systems for each fault type
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles large fault scenarios by dynamically changing the control allocation parameters within the matrix. When actuators fail or perform poorly, the matrix parameters are adjusted to redistribute control authority, allowing the system to adapt to varying degrees of actuator degradation and maintain reliable operation across a wide range of fault conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A control actuation system (CAS) for positioning control effectors of an air vehicle, for steering the air vehicle, includes application of a control allocation matrix to measured positions of the control effectors or their actuators, as part of a feedback mechanism. The output from the control allocation matrix is used as an input for one or more controllers, the output of which is passed through an inverse control allocation matrix, to produce signals that are sent to control actuators to position the control effectors. The controller may use different gains for different of its inputs, for example applying a lower gain for a brake signal than for one or more of a pitch signal, a roll signal, and a yaw signal. The control actuation may make for a control system that is able to better withstand impaired performance or non-performance of some the control effectors.