Non-linear actuator system and method

摘要

An embodiment of a system and method for moving an object in one axis includes one or more fluid inflatable containers which are arranged to transmit fluid pressure to a plunger, such that a flexible membrane of the fluid inflatable container engages with the plunger and forms a rolling lobe in response to changes in volume. The fluid inflatable containers are enclosed within an enclosure or drum, and a shaft runs axially through the center of the enclosure. The system further includes one or more control valves operably connected to the one or more fluid inflatable containers for controlling the volume of fluid in the one or more containers. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers the object is moved. In an embodiment an arced plunger is used to assist in creating the rolling lobe.

主权项

1. An arced actuator to move a photovoltaic panel or solar reflecting mirror in a repeatable arced motion comprising:
a movable member connected to the photovoltaic panel or solar reflecting mirror; a housing operably connected to the movable member with a caster assembly; a first plunger attached to the movable member and having a curved mid-portion along a longitudinal axis; a second plunger; a first fluid inflatable container constrained by the housing wherein the first plunger is engaged by the first fluid inflatable container, wherein a portion of the first fluid inflatable container is rolled onto a concave surface of the first plunger forming a rolling lobe, wherein the rolling lobe is adjacent the concave surface and circumscribes the mid-portion; a second fluid inflatable container constrained by the housing wherein the second plunger is engaged by the second fluid inflatable container; one or more control valves operably connected to the first fluid inflatable container; one or more control valves operably connected to the second fluid inflatable container; an electronic pressure sensor connected to the first fluid inflatable container; electronic actuators for the one or more control valves connected to the first fluid inflatable container for pressurizing and de-pressurizing the first fluid inflatable container; electronic location sensor for determining a location of the photovoltaic panel or solar reflecting mirror; and a computer, having a processor and a memory, that controls motion of the photovoltaic panel or solar reflecting mirror by electronically actuating the one or more control valves in response to signals received from the electronic pressure sensor and the electronic location sensor and communicates output values of the electronic pressure sensor and the electronic location sensor, and positions of the one or more control valves through electromagnetic signals, wherein the inflation of the first fluid inflatable container causes the first plunger and second plunger to move in a non-linear motion in the direction of the second fluid inflatable container.