Force-Sensing Device for Torque Measurement in Weapon Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment and stabilization units for weapon systems on moving platforms face challenges in achieving high stabilization quality due to increased unbalance moments, particularly with longer barrels, leading to sensitivity to disturbances and reduced control accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment and stabilization unit with a force-sensing device measuring torques between the rotational mass and the platform, decoupled from the adjustment drive, allowing for precise control and compensation of torques, using an annular design with strain gauges or piezoelectric transducers to measure elongation and convert it into control signals for the stabilization control circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the out-of-balance moment of the weapon unit is increased (e.g., due to longer barrels), then the weapon unit can achieve better balance and reduced vibrations, but the sensitivity to disturbances in the vertical direction increases, resulting in negative influence on stabilization quality
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing device measures torques in advance (before they affect stabilization accuracy) and provides signals to the stabilization control circuit, enabling anticipatory compensation. The control circuit processes these signals to generate control signals that adjust the adjustment drive proactively, preventing disturbances from degrading stabilization quality before they can significantly impact the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-sensing device continuously measures torques between the rotational mass and platform, feeding this information back to the stabilization control circuit. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time adjustment of the adjustment drive to counteract disturbances, maintaining stabilization quality despite increased sensitivity from higher out-of-balance moments.
2Measurement precision
If a direct drive is used to eliminate the influence of rotating drive parts' inertia, then the stabilization accuracy is improved, but the drive motor must supply all torque necessary for adjustment, increasing the holding torque requirement to counter out-of-balance moments
Solution Approach 1:
The force-sensing device acts as an intermediary between the adjustment drive and the rotational mass, measuring torques and providing feedback signals that enable the stabilization control circuit to optimize drive performance. This intermediary measurement system allows the direct drive to operate more efficiently by providing real-time torque information for precise control.
3Speed
If the reaction time between the auxiliary gyroscope signal generation and the response of the driven rotational mass is reduced, then the anticipatory rotation can be implemented faster, but the practicality is limited due to insufficient response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gyroscope-based anticipatory system with an electronic force-sensing device that directly measures torques. This substitution eliminates the reaction time delay inherent in mechanical gyroscopes, as the electronic sensing and signal processing can occur much faster, enabling practical implementation of anticipatory rotation 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
This solution enhances stabilization quality by accurately measuring and controlling torques, reducing the influence of inertia and disturbances, and enabling effective stabilization across larger elevation angles with improved response characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The force-sensing device measures the torque transmitted between the adjustment drive and the platform, and the reaction torque exerted by the adjustment drive in response to acceleration of the rotational mass
Implementation Method 2
using an annular design with strain gauges or piezoelectric transducers to measure elongation and convert it into control signals
Implementation Method 3
a rotational mass movably mounted on the platform and stabilized in inertial space... The output signal of the gyroscope is supplied to a control circuit that compares the deviation of the actual position of the mass in space
Implementation Method 4
The accuracy of the stabilized inertial position is influenced by various factors, such as the friction of the drive, the manner by which the rotational mass is held, the magnitude of the mass unbalance, and the rotary moment of inertia of the rotating mass
Implementation Method 5
The accuracy of the stabilized inertial position is influenced by various factors, such as the friction of the drive
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment and stabilization unit (1), such as for a weapon, includes a movable platform (3), a rotational mass (2) mounted on the platform and stabilized in inertial space, and an adjustment drive (6) for adjusting the rotational mass. The adjustment drive includes a driving device (7) connecting the adjustment drive with the rotational mass, a force-sensing device (16) for measuring torque, and at least one stabilization control circuit for controlling the rotary adjustment drive by means of the measured torque. The force-sensing device (16) has an annular design and is arranged between the platform (3) and the adjustment drive (6). The driving device has a shaft (10) that extends through force-sensing device (16). The force-sensing device measures the torque transmitted between the adjustment drive and the platform, and being transmitted to the adjustment drive as a result of an acceleration of the rotational mass.