Missile Servo Motor Temperature Estimation Without Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing missile servo motor control systems face complexity and cost issues due to the need for temperature sensors to compensate for temperature-dependent variations in electrical resistance and torque constant, which are challenging to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates motor temperature using calculated motor resistance and torque constant values, eliminating the need for temperature sensors by inputting these estimates into motor control algorithms, thereby simplifying the system and reducing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are used to measure motor temperature for compensation, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical temperature sensor hardware with a software-based estimation algorithm. The motor temperature is calculated by monitoring electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance) and applying thermal models, thereby substituting mechanical/physical measurement devices with computational methods. This eliminates the need for additional temperature sensors while maintaining temperature compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance) as intermediary variables to indirectly determine motor temperature. Instead of directly measuring temperature with a sensor, the system uses these easily measurable electrical quantities as mediators to estimate temperature through calculated relationships, avoiding the need for direct thermal contact sensors.
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are installed in the missile actuation system, then temperature compensation is achieved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical temperature sensing hardware with computational estimation methods. By using software algorithms to calculate motor temperature from existing electrical parameter measurements, the system eliminates the need for additional temperature sensor components, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining temperature compensation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor control system performs temperature estimation using its own existing sensors and measurements. The system leverages data already being collected for motor control (voltage, current, resistance) to simultaneously determine temperature, making the control system self-sufficient without requiring separate temperature measurement infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperature sensors and compensation hardware are added, then motor control performance over temperature range is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive temperature sensor hardware with software-based estimation algorithms. By calculating motor temperature from existing electrical parameter measurements using thermal models and mathematical relationships, the system achieves temperature compensation without the cost of additional sensors, signal conditioners, and associated hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining temperature range adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing motor control system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both motor control and temperature estimation functions using the same hardware infrastructure. The control algorithm simultaneously manages motor operation and monitors temperature conditions, eliminating the need for dedicated temperature measurement hardware and reducing overall system cost.
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 allows for effective compensation of temperature variations in motor control signals, enhancing system performance, reducing complexity and cost, and enabling more accurate fault detection and protection against overheating, while maintaining control performance across temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
key parameters such as electrical resistance and torque constant often vary significantly with temperature
Implementation Method 2
temperature-dependent variations in the missile actuation system control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a servo actuation system in a missile is disclosed. The method comprises estimating a temperature of a motor comprised in the servo actuation system from a plurality of motor parameters; and controlling the motor based at least in part on the estimated motor temperature.