Rotational Feedback Control for Variable Speed Within One Revolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotational systems lack precise control over angular velocity within a single revolution, limiting their ability to perform complex behaviors and applications that require variable speed profiles.

Innovation Solution

A control system comprising a sensor, controller, and propulsor that measures and adjusts the angular velocity of a rotating element by calculating compensation velocities based on differences between instructed and actual velocities, allowing for precise control of angular velocity within a single revolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If constant angular velocity is used within a single rotation, then the system operation is simple and reliable, but the system cannot achieve variable speed profiles required for complex behaviors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable speed profile capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor measures the actual angular position of the rotating element, the controller compares the measured position with the desired position, and the propulsor adjusts the angular velocity based on the position error. This closed-loop feedback enables variable speed profiles within a single rotation while maintaining system reliability through continuous correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static constant angular velocity control to dynamic variable angular velocity control. The controller dynamically adjusts the angular velocity throughout the rotation cycle based on real-time position feedback, enabling complex behaviors such as asymmetric thrust generation and adaptive rotation patterns that require changing speed profiles within each rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable angular velocity within a single rotation is implemented, then complex behaviors can be achieved, but precise control becomes difficult due to mechanical uncertainties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebehavior control capabilityVSAvoidangular velocity control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously measures the actual angular position and uses this information to correct velocity deviations. By comparing desired versus actual position and adjusting the propulsor output accordingly, the system compensates for mechanical uncertainties and achieves precise angular velocity control throughout the rotation, enabling reliable execution of complex behaviors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces open-loop mechanical velocity control with a closed-loop electromechanical control system. The digital controller processes position feedback and generates corrected velocity commands to the propulsor, substituting purely mechanical constant-speed operation with an integrated sensor-controller-actuator system that achieves superior velocity precision despite mechanical variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If feedback control is implemented to correct velocity differences, then velocity precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity measurement and control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system component count
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions within a single integrated unit: it generates desired velocity profiles, processes sensor feedback signals, calculates position errors, determines correction amounts, and outputs corrected velocity commands to the propulsor. This multi-functional integration achieves precise velocity control while minimizing the number of separate control components required in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11990857B2Rotational feedback control system and method
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
  • US11990857B2 patent drawing
  • US11990857B2 patent drawing
  • US11990857B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotational feedback control system, and method of using same, including a rotating element, a sensor and a digital controller. The system capable of monitoring, setting, and adjusting the inter-rotational angular velocity within a single revolution of the rotating element. The digital controller implementing a control system with control parameters based on angular position, nominal angular velocity and steering angular velocity.