Lorentz-Force Apparatus for Vibration Isolation and Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spacecraft communication systems face challenges in maintaining line-of-sight communication due to vehicle vibrations and dynamics, requiring precise steering of communication beams, which existing vibration-dampening platforms may not adequately address, especially for applications like optical communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Lorentz-force-based apparatus, comprising conductive coils and magnets, to physically isolate and levitate communication platforms, enabling precise orientation and translation about multiple axes, thereby mitigating the effects of vehicle vibrations and maintaining line-of-sight communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vibration-dampening platforms are used, then some vibration isolation is provided, but precise orientation and translation control required for line-of-sight communication is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration-dampening platforms with a Lorentz-force-based electromagnetic system. Conductive coils generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets on the communication platform to produce precise forces for orientation and translation control, eliminating the imprecision of mechanical dampening while maintaining vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical current parameters in the conductive coils to control the magnitude and direction of Lorentz forces. By changing current amplitude and polarity, the system achieves precise control over platform orientation and translation, enabling accurate beam steering that traditional mechanical systems cannot provide.
2Measurement precision
If Lorentz-force-based apparatus is used for precise control, then beam steering precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coils serve multiple functions: they generate Lorentz forces for precise orientation control, provide vibration isolation, and enable translation adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving superior beam steering precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where sensors detect the actual orientation and position of the communication platform, and this information is used to adjust the electrical current in the coils in real-time. This closed-loop control achieves precise beam steering while automating the complexity of coordinating multiple coils.
3Ease of operation
If multiple conductive coils are used for multi-axis control, then orientation and translation control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic commutation of electrical current through the conductive coils, switching current direction and magnitude in a cyclical pattern synchronized with the desired motion. This periodic action enables continuous multi-axis control while allowing energy recovery during deceleration phases and reducing peak power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrical current in each coil based on real-time control requirements, activating only the coils needed for current motion adjustments. This dynamic control enables multi-axis orientation and translation while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous activation of all coils at full power.
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 provides accurate and stable orientation and translation of communication platforms, ensuring precise steering of communication beams and maintaining line-of-sight communication despite vehicle vibrations, enhancing the reliability of communication systems in space and other dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
A system may include a conductive coil, a magnetic field generation structure, a force constant compensator, and a coil driver. The coil driver generates, in response to an adjusted electrical current command, a current in the conductive coil to generate a force between the conductive coil and the magnetic field along the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system may include (1) a conductive coil, where at least a portion of the coil is oriented along a first direction and orthogonal to a second direction, (2) a magnetic field generation structure that generates a magnetic field through the coil along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, (3) a force constant compensator that (a) receives a current command to alter a relative location of the coil and the field, and (b) adjusts the current command based on at least one physical characteristic of the system that affects a relationship between current in the coil and resulting force between the coil and the field along the second direction, and (4) a coil driver that generates, in response to the adjusted current command, a first current in the coil to generate a force between the coil and the field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.