Patent ID: 8876060
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: B64G,F16F,G05D

Abstract:
1. A split flywheel assembly for minimizing the amplitude of attitude jitter, the split flywheel assembly comprising: at least two independent concentric flywheels axially aligned and in operable engagement with one another such that each flywheel is configured to be independently controlled in order to manipulate a phase difference therebetween; at least one coupling apparatus positioned between the flywheels and comprising at least one clutch, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively engage at least one of the flywheels to couple the flywheels together to cause the flywheels to spin concurrently, wherein the clutch is further configured to selectively disengage at least one of the flywheels to decouple the flywheels to cause the flywheels to spin independently of one another in order to obtain a phase difference to balance the flywheel assembly to minimize the amplitude of attitude jitter; a plurality of motors, wherein each motor is configured to spin a respective flywheel at a desired speed; and a controller configured to monitor the jitter and operate, based on the jitter, at least one motor to obtain the phase difference between the flywheels to balance the flywheel assembly.