Missile Thrust Vector Control Roll Orientation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precise positioning of thrust vector control surfaces during missile assembly is challenging due to the need for precise mechanical alignment, which is complicated and expensive, especially with non-threaded joints, leading to alignment uncertainty issues.
Innovation Solution
Measuring the roll orientation of the control surfaces after assembly and compensating for variations using digital controllers to adjust control signals, allowing for reliable operation with less stringent manufacturing and assembly constraints, even with threaded or non-threaded joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional threaded joints are used to attach the TVC to the missile body, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates due to the level of precision needed to machine accurate threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (threaded joints requiring precise machining) with an electronic compensation system. A sensor measures the actual roll orientation of the exit cone relative to the missile body, and a digital controller calculates compensated control commands to account for any misalignment. This substitution allows the use of simpler, less precise mechanical joints while maintaining overall system performance through software-based correction.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-threaded joints are used to attach the exit cone to the missile body, then alignment precision is improved through simpler assembly, but device complexity increases due to the bulky and complicated joint structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with an electronic measurement and compensation system. Instead of using intricate mechanical structures to ensure precise alignment, the system uses a sensor to measure the actual orientation and a digital controller to compensate for any deviations. This approach simplifies the mechanical joint structure while maintaining alignment accuracy through software-based correction.
3Reliability
If strict tolerance requirements are imposed on control surface positioning, then control accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming and expensive manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from controlling geometric parameters during manufacturing to controlling operational parameters through software. Instead of enforcing strict geometric tolerances on the control surfaces and joints, the system measures the actual roll orientation parameter and uses this information to adjust the control commands. This parameter transformation allows for more relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor measures the actual roll orientation of the exit cone after assembly, and this measurement is fed back to the digital controller. The controller then generates compensated control commands based on this feedback information, allowing the system to adapt to actual manufacturing variations and maintain control accuracy without requiring strict manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
The roll orientation of a thrust vector control (TVC) or other missile section is measured and used to compensate the operation of the control surface. A measurement of a roll orientation of the control surface relative to the missile is obtained from a detector, memory or other source. Compensated control commands are determined at least in part based upon the measurement to account for the roll orientation of the control surface relative to the missile, and the compensated control command is provided to thereby actuate the control surface during operation of the missile.