Hand Controller Cam-Spring Mechanism for EO Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hand controllers for military weapons systems produce non-linear outputs, making it difficult for operators to control sensing systems accurately and intuitively, especially when tracking long-range targets and reacting to different locations and ranges, due to unpredictable and non-intuitive slew rate responses.
Innovation Solution
A hand controller with cam/spring mechanisms that provide mathematically proportional slew rate inputs based on operator-applied torque and non-linear displacement feedback, using a pair of cams and leaf-springs to resist rotation and generate proportional rate commands for controlling electro-optic sensors in azimuth and elevation directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hand controllers are used to control sensing systems, then the system can be operated remotely for safety, but the control accuracy and intuitiveness deteriorate due to non-linear outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The hand controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the sensor's current position and status to the operator. This feedback loop allows the operator to understand the system state and adjust controls accordingly, transforming the non-linear system into something more predictable and intuitive to operate while maintaining remote safety.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control interface is introduced between the operator and the sensing system. This intermediary layer processes the operator's inputs and translates them into appropriate sensor commands, mediating the interaction to make the system more intuitive while preserving the remote operation capability for safety.
2Speed
If the hand controller provides high slew rate for rapid target acquisition, then the response speed improves, but the control precision deteriorates due to non-linear outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The hand controller dynamically adjusts its response characteristics based on the operational context. The control system can switch between high slew rate modes for rapid target acquisition and high precision modes for tracking, allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific task rather than compromising either capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes its operational parameters (such as slew rate and precision weighting) based on the current task requirements. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system can achieve both rapid response and precise pointing when needed, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
3Ease of operation
If the hand controller is designed for intuitive control with linear response, then the ease of operation improves, but the ability to handle complex tracking requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple functional modes (e.g., acquisition mode, tracking mode, engagement mode), each optimized for specific operational requirements. This segmentation allows the controller to provide intuitive linear response for simple operations while enabling complex tracking capabilities when needed through mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse tracking requirements including long-range slow-moving targets, close-range rapid targets, and intermediate scenarios. The universal controller adapts to different operational contexts through programmable control algorithms that provide both intuitive operation and advanced tracking capability.
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 solution allows for precise and intuitive control of electro-optic sensors, enabling accurate tracking of long-range targets and rapid slewing to respond to close-range targets, improving operator control and reducing training time in combat situations.
Implementation Method 1
A first cam/spring mechanism may include a pair of cams (412a, 412b) having curved outer surfaces (414a, 414b), respectively, that are mirror images of one another... The first pair of cams may be configured with each of the respective curved outer surfaces being in opposition with one another when the base ends are fastened to the azimuth shaft and to the first end of the first leaf-spring, thereby clamping the first end of the first leaf-spring between the cams
Implementation Method 2
The first pair of cams may be configured with each of the respective curved outer surfaces being in opposition with one another when the base ends are fastened to the azimuth shaft and to the first end of the first leaf-spring, thereby clamping the first end of the first leaf-spring between the cams and extending the first leaf-spring between the curved outer surfaces of the first pair of cams
Implementation Method 3
A first torque sensor may be fastened to the azimuth shaft and the first pair of cams to sense rotational force applied by an operator to the azimuth shaft with respect to resistance from the first leaf-spring, and to generate a first rate command signal
Data Source
AI summary
A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.