IMU Multi-Point Thermal Control via Segmented Gas Bearing Heaters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inertial navigation systems face challenges in maintaining thermal stability due to slow gas flow rates in gas bearing supported sensor assemblies, leading to uneven temperature gradients that affect the accuracy of position data.
Innovation Solution
A thermally controlled gas bearing supported inertial measurement unit system with multiple heating elements located proximal to the sensor assembly, utilizing temperature sensors and a control unit to adjust heating element temperatures based on feedback, thereby reducing temperature gradients across the sensor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single in-line heater is used to heat the gas supplied to gas bearing pads, then the entire complement of gas bearing pads can be heated, but the slow flow rate of gas provides excessive delay in thermal response and allows unspecified heat to enter or leave the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single heating system into multiple separate heating elements, each positioned adjacent to specific gas bearing pads. This segmentation allows each heater to independently control the temperature of its associated gas bearing pad, eliminating the thermal response delays caused by slow gas flow rates through the entire gas line. Each heater can respond quickly to temperature changes at its local position without waiting for heat to traverse the full gas supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized heating by positioning heating elements directly adjacent to each gas bearing pad rather than using a centralized in-line heater. This allows each region of the sensor assembly to be heated independently according to its specific thermal requirements, enabling precise local temperature control that compensates for variations in heat generation and loss at different positions within the sensor assembly.
2Temperature
If a single in-line heater is used to heat the gas supplied to gas bearing pads, then the entire complement of gas bearing pads can be heated, but unspecified heat can enter or leave the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating system into multiple independent heating elements positioned at specific locations around the sensor assembly. Each heating element can be independently controlled to compensate for local heat losses or gains, preventing unspecified heat from entering or leaving the system at any particular position. This segmented approach allows precise control over heat distribution throughout the entire sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors at multiple positions around the sensor assembly that provide feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor temperatures at different locations and adjust the heating elements accordingly, ensuring thermal stability and preventing unauthorized heat entry or loss. The control system can respond to temperature variations and make real-time adjustments to maintain precise thermal 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 approach enhances the accuracy of inertial navigation systems by maintaining a stable temperature gradient, improving the performance of motion sensors and overall vehicle navigation.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements proximal to the sensor assembly... adjust a temperature of at least one of the plurality of heating elements
Implementation Method 2
rotational sensor assembly supported by gas bearing pads... heating the gas supplied to the gas bearing pads
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally controlled gas bearing supported inertial measurement unit (IMU) system is provided. The system comprises a sensor assembly enclosing one or more sensors and a plurality of heating elements, wherein each of the plurality of heating elements is proximal to the sensor assembly. The system also comprises a plurality of temperature sensors configured to determine a temperature of a region of the sensor assembly and a control unit configured to adjust a temperature of at least one of the plurality of heating elements based on feedback from the at least one temperature sensor.