Thermal-mechanical positioning for radiation tracking
First Claim
1. A system for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source, the system comprising:
- a frame;
a platform pivotably coupled to the frame;
a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame and adapted to pivot the platform to substantially track a movement of the radiation source, wherein the pivotable platform is adapted to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element; and
means for dampening disturbances to the pivotable platform selected from the group consisting of a wind shield, an airfoil, a wind activated braking mechanism, and combinations thereof.
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Abstract
The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source, the system comprising:
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a frame; a platform pivotably coupled to the frame; a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame and adapted to pivot the platform to substantially track a movement of the radiation source, wherein the pivotable platform is adapted to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element; and means for dampening disturbances to the pivotable platform selected from the group consisting of a wind shield, an airfoil, a wind activated braking mechanism, and combinations thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source, the system comprising:
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a frame; a platform pivotably coupled to the frame; a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame and adapted to pivot the platform to substantially track a movement of the radiation source, wherein the pivotable platform is adapted to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element; and means for controlling convective heat loss from the thermal actuation element comprising an enclosure adapted to permit transmission of energy from the radiation source to the thermal actuation element while controlling air flow proximate the thermal actuation element, and wherein the enclosure comprises a shutter adapted to control the air flow. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification