High speed, amplitude variable thrust control method
US5431010A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/401
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a piezoelectric stack responsive to a control signal input, a displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system provide the calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly opens as the piezoelectric stack expands upon application of a step change in voltage, allowing fluid to expand through the valve assembly and create thrust that is substantially equal in duration and directly proportional in amplitude to the control signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.