Dynamic Gravity Vector Projection for Spacecraft Simulator Fidelity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air-bearing test beds have limited dynamic fidelity as they rely on manual, discrete adjustments of the operating surface orientation, which cannot accurately replicate time-varying accelerations required for simulations of spacecraft maneuvers and planetary landings without interfering with the test vehicle's actuators.
Innovation Solution
A planar test bed with mechanical couplings and a processor that dynamically adjusts the orientation of the planar surface to project the local gravity vector and mimic desired time-varying accelerations, allowing for continuous and accurate simulation of relative accelerations between spacecraft without using the test vehicle's actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual, discrete adjustments of the operating surface orientation are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dynamic fidelity and ability to replicate time-varying accelerations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from static, manual adjustments to a dynamic, automated system. The operating surface orientation is continuously adjusted in real-time through motorized actuators that respond to control signals, enabling the system to replicate time-varying accelerations and maintain high dynamic fidelity throughout the simulation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with an automated control system. A processor receives simulation parameters, calculates the required surface orientation to achieve desired accelerations, and sends control signals to motorized actuators. This substitution of manual operation with automated computation and control resolves the contradiction by enabling complex time-varying acceleration profiles without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If the test vehicle's actuators are used to recreate accelerations, then the adaptability is improved, but the dynamic behavior and test fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Inversion principle by reversing the conventional approach. Instead of using the test vehicle's actuators to generate accelerations (bottom-up approach), the system tilts the operating surface to use gravity as the acceleration source (top-down approach). This inversion allows accelerations to be imposed on the test vehicle passively, preserving the vehicle's natural dynamic behavior while maintaining adaptability through programmable surface orientation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes gravity as a counterweight force by tilting the operating surface. The gravitational acceleration component along the tilted surface provides the desired acceleration profile without requiring active thrust from the test vehicle's actuators. This approach effectively uses the Earth's gravity field as a programmable force source, maintaining test fidelity while enabling versatile acceleration scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If static tilting of the operating surface is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to simulate time-varying accelerations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by continuously updating the operating surface orientation in real-time. The control system receives time-varying simulation parameters, calculates the required surface tilt angles, and adjusts the actuators accordingly at regular intervals. This periodic control loop enables the system to simulate time-varying accelerations such as orbital maneuvers, planetary landings, and other dynamic spaceflight scenarios while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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
Enables the recreation of complex spacecraft maneuvers and planetary landings by imparting time-varying accelerations, enhancing the dynamic fidelity and applicability of air-bearing test beds without interfering with the test vehicles' actuators.
Implementation Method 1
Planar air bearings are used to create a low friction loadbearing interface between the test vehicle and the flat surface
Implementation Method 2
By tilting the flat table, a gravitational acceleration is imparted to the test vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a planar test bed comprising a planar surface and further comprising mechanical couplings in mechanical communication with the planar table and the supporting legs. The mechanical couplings are translatable to provide three degrees of freedom for orientation of the planar surface. A processor receives position and velocity information describing an object on the planar surface, and calculates a relative acceleration typically using a function aR=f(t,xR,vR,μt). The processor communicates with the mechanical couplings to establish an orientation where a local gravity vector projects onto the planar surface and generates acceleration with magnitude and direction substantially equal to the desired acceleration aR The operations occur in cyclic fashion so the desired accelerations and planar orientations are updated as an object transits over the planar surface.