Thruster Valve Opening Degree Control via Force Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise control of thruster thrust is challenging due to valve transformation during operation, leading to errors in trajectory and attitude control of flying objects, as existing methods rely on common corrections based on combustion examinations that do not account for varying flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A thruster control device with an opening degree estimating section and control section that calculates and adjusts the valve opening degree based on the balance of acting and fluid forces applied to the valve element, using data from acceleration, velocity, and pressure sensing to determine target opening degrees for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If common correction based on combustion examination is applied to all valves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of thrust control deteriorates due to valve transformation and varying flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual opening degree of each valve during operation and using this information to calculate corrected target opening degrees. The opening degree measurement unit detects the actual valve position, and the control unit adjusts the target opening degree based on the difference between actual and target values, thereby compensating for valve transformation and maintaining precise thrust control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static common correction to dynamic individual correction. Each valve's target opening degree is adjusted in real-time based on its specific transformation characteristics and flight conditions. The control unit calculates individual correction amounts for each valve based on measured opening degrees and flight parameters, enabling adaptive precision control that accounts for dynamic valve behavior.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual valve opening degree measurement and correction is implemented, then the manufacturing precision of thrust control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it generates target opening degrees, measures actual opening degrees, calculates correction amounts, and outputs corrected target opening degrees. This multi-functional approach consolidates the control system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining individual valve precision control. The same control unit handles both generation and correction operations for all valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured actual opening degree information to automatically correct its own target values. The control unit calculates correction amounts based on the difference between actual and target opening degrees, enabling self-adjustment without external intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional complex control hardware.
3Ease of operation
If valve transformation due to heat is not considered, then the ease of operation is maintained with simple control, but the reliability of trajectory and attitude control deteriorates due to opening degree errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods with non-contact opening degree measurement. The opening degree measurement unit uses optical or electromagnetic fields to detect valve position without physical contact, avoiding additional mechanical complexity while providing accurate real-time data for reliability improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed target opening degree to dynamically corrected target opening degree. By introducing correction amounts based on actual measurements and flight conditions, the system maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving control reliability through adaptive parameter adjustment.
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 precise control of thruster thrust, reducing errors in trajectory and attitude control by accounting for valve transformation and varying flight conditions, as demonstrated through performance evaluations showing improved pressure and thrust management.
Implementation Method 1
an opening degree estimating section configured to calculate an estimated opening degree of a valve showing a rate at which the valve is opened, based on a balance of an acting force applied to a valve element of the valve to adjust a quantity of combustion gas to be ejected from a thruster and a fluid force applied to the valve element by the ejected combustion gas
Implementation Method 2
The opening degree control section may determine the target opening degree to each of the plurality of valve element control sections based on the sensed pressure and the estimated opening degree to each valve element control section
Data Source
AI summary
A thruster control device has an opening degree estimating section and an opening degree control section. The opening degree estimating section calculates an estimated opening degree of a valve showing a rate at which the valve is opened, based on a balance of an acting force applied to a valve element of the valve to adjust a quantity of combustion gas to be ejected from a thruster and a fluid force applied to the valve element by the ejected combustion gas. The opening degree control section determines a target opening degree based on the estimated opening degree to control the opening degree of the valve.