Apparatus and method for controlling the shape of structures
US5531407A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method control the shape of a structure with one or more surfaces and internal actuators. A plurality of translational actuators are capable of extending and contracting. The structure can have any number of controllable surfaces, including one. The shapes of the surfaces are controlled by computing the actuator strokes or loads required for achieving specified surface deflections. There are two methods for accomplishing this control. In the actuator stroke-control method, the surface deflections, or deflection errors for closed-loop control, are multiplied by a stroke-control gain matrix which is a function of the properties of the structure with the actuators absent. In the actuator load-control method, the surface deflections, or deflection errors for closed-loop control, are multiplied by a load-control gain matrix which is a function of the properties of the structure with the actuators absent. The control gain matrices minimize the surface shape errors. Ratios of stresses to allowable values are continuously monitored throughout the structure and corrective action is taken to prevent an overstressed condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.