Single-axis drive system and method

摘要

A system for moving an object in one axis that creates highly dispersed but precisely controlled mechanical force to support, manipulate, and maintain an object, tool or application in precise alignment or orientation with respect to a stationary or moving target is disclosed. The system includes one or more fluid containers within a cylindrical enclosure or drum, and a shaft running through longitudinal axis of the drum. The shaft is coupled to the drum by rotating assemblies so that the drum may rotate around the shaft or the draft may rotate inside the drum. The fluid inflatable containers are arranged in a inside the drum around the shaft so that each container exerts expansive force between a vane fixed to the drum and a vane fixed to the shaft. A volume of the fluid may be placed in the one or more fluid containers by control systems. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers, forces are exerted on the vanes and the object is moved.

主权项

1. A system for moving an object in one axis relative to a reference, comprising:
a connector for the object; a central support structure located beneath the object; a drum operatively connected to the reference, wherein the drum has an inner wall, pivot axis and an outer surface; wherein the reference is a shaft, having an outer surface, positioned axially through the pivot axis of the drum; one or more rotating assemblies supporting the shaft such that the shaft may turn within the drum; one or more vanes fixed to the shaft, running longitudinally along the shaft and extending radially to the inner wall of the drum; one or more vanes fixed to the drum, running longitudinally along the inner wall of the drum and extending radially to the outer surface of the shaft; a first fluid inflatable container placed inside the drum between one of the one or more vanes fixed to the drum and one of the one or more vanes fixed to the shaft such that expansion of the first fluid inflatable container exerts force simultaneously upon the vane fixed to the drum and the vane fixed to the shaft; one or more control valves, operatively connected to the first fluid inflatable container, to assist in pressurizing and de-pressurizing the first fluid inflatable container; a source of compressed fluid connected operatively to the one or more control valves for pressurizing the first fluid inflatable container; an electronic pressure sensor connected to the first fluid inflatable container; electronic actuators for the one or more control valves for pressurizing and de-pressurizing the first fluid inflatable container; electronic level sensors or rotational position encoders for determining an altitude, azimuth, and pitch of the object; and a computer that controls the motion of the object to maintain an optimal solar energy collection by electronically actuating the one or more control valves in response to signals received from the electronic pressure sensor and the electronic level sensors or rotational position encoders; wherein the system for moving an object in one axis is able to orient the object through a variety of positions by systematic pressurization and depressurization of the first fluid inflatable container.