SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “mechanical switching devices”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Study of mid IR fiber transmission and mode patterns under laser induced stimulated Brillouin scattering
Mid IR fiber transmission and exit radiation mode patterns at various incident CO2 laser power levels appear to be effective diagnostic tools for monitoring laser induced stimulated Brillouin scattering in various mid IR fibers. Such processes are deemed to be essential mechanisms for fiber-optic amplifiers and switches as potential replacements of current repeaters and bistable devices.
Strain-biased PLZT input devices /page composers/ for holographic memories and optical data processing.
The features of a new class of transparent ferroelectric ceramic materials, called PLZT, are described. PLZT are shown to have very strong electrooptic properties and memory, and are switched through transparent electrodes when mechanically strained. Because of these properties, they can be used to fabricate two-dimensional page composers for coherent optical systems. Techniques for fabricating such devices are outlined along with preliminary test results. Applications in displays are shown to be also feasible.
Modelling switching-time effects in high-frequency power conditioning networks
Power transistor networks which switch large currents in highly inductive environments are beginning to find application in the hundred kilohertz switching frequency range. Recent developments in the fabrication of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors in the power device category have enhanced the movement toward higher switching frequencies. Models for switching devices and of the circuits in which they are imbedded are required to properly characterize the mechanisms responsible for turning on and turning off effects. Easily interpreted results in the form of oscilloscope-like plots assist in understanding the effects of parametric studies using topology oriented computer-aided analysis methods.
Electro-optically-indexed microwave switch
Mechanical parts used in conventional switches to index stepper motor that drives switch elements are replaced by optoelectronic indexing device that controls magnetic-detent motor. Unit eliminates major source of wear and maintains detent accuracy longer. Design of device achieves reduction of insertion loss, crosstalk, and wave guide reflections when receiving and transmitting.
Neural-Network Control Of Prosthetic And Robotic Hands
Electronic neural networks proposed for use in controlling robotic and prosthetic hands and exoskeletal or glovelike electromechanical devices aiding intact but nonfunctional hands. Specific to patient, who activates grasping motion by voice command, by mechanical switch, or by myoelectric impulse. Patient retains higher-level control, while lower-level control provided by neural network analogous to that of miniature brain. During training, patient teaches miniature brain to perform specialized, anthropomorphic movements unique to himself or herself.
Apollo experience report: Crew station integration. Volume 3: Spacecraft hand controller development
The development of hand controllers has evolved from the basic mechanical linkage technique used in the Mercury spacecraft to the total fly-by-wire three-axis switching device used to control the Apollo spacecraft. The evolving developmental process is described in this report.
Range Imaging without Moving Parts
Range-imaging instruments of a type now under development are intended to generate the equivalent of three-dimensional images from measurements of the round-trip times of flight of laser pulses along known directions. These instruments could also provide information on characteristics of targets, including roughnesses and reflectivities of surfaces and optical densities of such semi-solid objects as trees and clouds. Unlike in prior range-imaging instruments based on times of flight along known directions, there would be no moving parts; aiming of the laser beams along the known directions would not be accomplished by mechanical scanning of mirrors, prisms, or other optical components. Instead, aiming would be accomplished by using solid-state devices to switch input and output beams along different fiber-optic paths. Because of the lack of moving parts, these instruments could be extraordinarily reliable, rugged, and long-lasting. An instrument of this type would include an optical transmitter that would send out a laser pulse along a chosen direction to a target. An optical receiver coaligned with the transmitter would measure the temporally varying intensity of laser light reflected from the target to determine the distance and surface characteristics of the target. The transmitter would be a combination of devices for generating precise directional laser illumination. It would include a pulsed laser, the output of which would be coupled into a fiber-optic cable with a fan-out and solid-state optical switches that would enable switching of the laser beam onto one or more optical fibers terminated at known locations in an array on a face at the focal plane of a telescope. The array would be imaged by the telescope onto the target space. The receiver optical system could share the aforementioned telescope with the transmitter or could include a separate telescope aimed in the same direction as that of the transmitting telescope. In either case, light reflected from the target would be focused by the receiver optical system onto an array of optical fibers matching the array in the transmitter. These optical fibers would couple the received light to one or more photodetector( s). Optionally, the receiver could include solid-state optical switches for choosing which optical fiber(s) would couple light to the photodetector(s). This instrument architecture is flexible and can be optimized for a wide variety of applications and levels of performance. For example, it is scalable to any number of pixels and pixel resolutions and is compatible with a variety of ranging and photodetection methodologies, including, for example, ranging by use of modulated (including pulsed and encoded) light signals. The use of fixed arrays of optical fibers to generate controlled illumination patterns would eliminate the mechanical complexity and much of the bulk of optomechanical scanning assemblies. Furthermore, digital control of the selection of the fiber-optic pathways for the transmitted beams could afford capabilities not seen in previous three-dimensional range-imaging systems. Instruments of this type could be specialized for use as, for example, proximity detectors, three-dimensional robotic vision systems, airborne terrain-mapping systems, and inspection systems.
Learning From Failure: Boosting Cycling Endurance of Optical Phase Change Materials
Chalcogenide phase change materials (PCMs) are a unique class of compounds whose switchable optical and electronic properties have fueled an explosion of emerging applications in microelectronics and microphotonics. Key to any application is the ability of PCMs to reliably switch between crystalline and amorphous states over a large number of cycles. While this issue has been extensively studied in the case of microelectronic memories, current PCM-based optical devices suffer from much inferior endurance. To understand the failure mechanisms limiting endurance of PCMs specifically in microphotonic devices, we have developed an on-chip resistive micro-heater platform and an automatic multi-modal characterization system to analyze cycling performance of optical PCMs. Reversible switching of large-area PCM devices over 50,000 cycles was demonstrated.
Ultraprecision tool positioner
A linear actuator was designed with a range of several centimeters plus. Two independently functioning devices were combined to form a tool positioner, which could be used for the generation of optical elements in highly stable materials or to actively control the figure of a lightweight astronomical mirror. The advantages of the positioner over other displacement actuators are: simplicity of construction, large displacement range, bidirectional displacement, and the ability to work against opposing forces. An engineering model positioner was manufactured and tested. The system includes an electronic switching circuit and a laser interferometer gage. It was demonstrated that, by combining a holding and a driving mechanism, the capabilities of a limited positioning device are extended.
Design study of a high power rotary transformer
A design study was made on a rotary transformer for transferring electrical power across a rotating spacecraft interface. The analysis was performed for a 100 KW, 20 KHz unit having a ""pancake'' geometry. The rotary transformer had a radial (vertical) gap and consisted of 4-25 KW modules. It was assumed that the power conditioning comprised of a Schwarz resonant circuit with a 20 KHz switching frequency. The rotary transformer, mechanical and structural design, heat rejection system and drive mechanism which provide a complete power transfer device were examined. The rotary transformer losses, efficiency, weight and size were compared with an axial (axial symmetric) gap transformer having the same performance requirements and input characteristics which was designed as part of a previous program. The ""pancake'' geometry results in a heavier rotary transformer primarily because of inefficient use of the core material. It is shown that the radial gap rotary transformer is a feasible approach for the transfer of electrical power across a rotating interface and can be implemented using presently available technology.
Payload retention latches for the shuttle orbiter
Two latches were designed to mount payloads in the shuttle orbiter bay. Multiple retention latches attach a payload to the sill longerons and another latch device attaches it to the keel. Requirements for each actuator are defined and drive mechanisms are described. Other design aspects discussed include: switch mechanisms, motors, gearboxes, redundancy provisions, structural materials, and lubricants. A preliminary dry lubricant test program is also reviewed and results presented.
Metal vapor arc switch electromagnetic accelerator technology
A multielectrode device housed in an insulator vacuum vessel, the metal vapor vacuum switch has high power capability and can hold off voltages up to the 100 kilovolt level. Such switches can be electronically triggered and can interrupt or commutate at a zero current crossing. The physics of arc initiation, arc conduction, and interruption are examined, including material considerations; inefficiencies; arc modes; magnetic field effects; passive and forced extinction; and voltage recovery. Heating, electrode lifetime, device configuration, and external circuit configuration are discussed. The metal vapor vacuum switch is compared with SCRs, GTOs, spark gaps, ignitrons, and mechanical breakers.
A Concept for Directly Coupled Pulsed Electromagnetic Acceleration of Plasmas
Plasma jets with high momentum flux density are required for a variety of applications in propulsion research. Methods of producing these plasma jets are being investigated at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The experimental goal in the immediate future is to develop plasma accelerators which are capable of producing plasma jets with momentum flux density represented by velocities up to 200 km/s and ion density up to 10(exp 24) per cu m, with sufficient precision and reproducibility in their properties, and with sufficiently high efficiency. The jets must be sufficiently focused to allow them to be transported over several meters. A plasma accelerator concept is presented that might be able to meet these requirements. It is a self-switching, shaped coaxial pulsed plasma thruster, with focusing of the plasma flow by shaping muzzle current distribution as in plasma focus devices, and by mechanical tapering of the gun walls. Some 2-D MHD modeling in support of the conceptual design will be presented.
Digital Beam Deflectors Based Partly on Liquid Crystals
A digital beam deflector based partly on liquid crystals has been demonstrated as a prototype of a class of optical beam-steering devices that contain no mechanical actuators or solid moving parts. Such beam-steering devices could be useful in a variety of applications, including free-space optical communications, switching in fiber-optic communications, general optical switching, and optical scanning. Liquid crystals are of special interest as active materials in nonmechanical beam steerers and deflectors because of their structural flexibility, low operating voltages, and the relatively low costs of fabrication of devices that contain them.
Remotely actuated release mechanism
Release mechanism for actuation of automatic device operates on system of restrained energy force, which is automatically released by electrical charge that may be applied by manual switch or, in remote application, by RF impulse, received by conventional electronic circuitry.
Laser-actuated mechanical device
Actuator is portable and can be used in high-temperature (over 500 C) environments by incorporating tungsten metal film and quartz window. Actuator can be triggered when it is not directly in laser beam path by utilizing fiber optics. It is advantageous for remotely switching ultra-high voltage systems.
Device for the Automatic Control of Airplanes
This report provides a description of an automatic control mechanism that consists of an automatic elevator control, aileron control, and a rudder control. Each automatic control can be independently switched on or off.