• International Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.8-15
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• 2018

For small earth observation satellites, alignment between the optical components is important for precise observation. However, satellite cameras are structurally subject to misalignment in the launch environment where vibration excitations and impacts apply, and in space environments where zero gravity, vacuum, radiant heat and degassing occur. All of these variables can cause misalignment among the optical components. The misalignment among optical components results in degradation of image quality, and a re-alignment process is needed to compensate for the misalignment. This process of re-alignment between optical components is referred to as a refocusing process. In this paper, we proposed a 3 - axis focusing mechanism to perform the refocusing process. This mechanism is attached to the back of the secondary mirror and consists of three piezoelectric inertia-friction actuators to compensate the x-axis, y-axis tilt, and de-space through three-axis motion. The fabricated focus mechanism demonstrated excellent servo performance by experimenting with PD servo control.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.75-80
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• 2018

The working principle of a satellite camera involves a focusing mechanism for controlling the focus of the optical system, which is essential for proper functioning. However, research on focusing mechanisms of satellite optical systems in Korea is in the beginning stage and developed technology is limited to a thermal control type. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a motor-driven focusing mechanism applicable to small satellite optical systems. The proposed mechanism is designed to generate z-axis displacement in the secondary mirror by a motor. In addition, three flexure hinges have been installed on the supporter for application of preload on the mechanism resulting in minimization of the alignment error arising due to manufacturing tolerance and assembly tolerance within the mechanism. After fabrication of the mechanism, the alignment errors (de-space, de-center, and tilt) were measured with LVDT sensors and laser displacement meters. Conclusively, the proposed focusing mechanism could achieve proper alignment degree, which can be applicable to small satellite optical system.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.229-237
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• 2013

In this paper, we report a self-balancing robot wheelchair which has the capability of keeping upright posture regardless of the terrain inclination in terms of the three dimensional balancing motion. It has the mobility of five degrees of freedom, where pitching, yawing, and forward motions are generated by the two-wheeled inverted pendulum mechanism and the rolling and vertical motions are implemented by the movement of the tilting mechanism. Several design considerations are suggested for the sliding type vehicle body, wheel actuator module, tilting actuator module, power and control system, and the riding module.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Machine Tool Engineers Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.286-291
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• 2002

We present the analysis and design of a new six degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism, Eclipse-II, which can be used as a basis for general motion simulators. This mechanism allows x, y and z-axis translations and a, b and c-axis rotations. Most significantly, it presents the advantage of enabling continuous 360 degrees spinning of the platform. We first describe the computational procedures for the forward and in inverse kinematics of the Eclipse-II. Next, the complete singularity analysis is presented for the two cases of end-effector and actuator singularities. Two additional actuators are added to the original mechanism to eliminate both types of singularities with in the workspace. Some practical aspects of the prototype development are introduced.

• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.186-190
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• 2019

When problems occurred in the unstable and/or extreme terrain environment, formal field-driving robots were unable to provide any other options such as the transformation of the wheel and body structure, and so on. For such reason, this paper proposed a novel type of integrated wheel mechanism that can be operated as a conventional driving wheel mode and hybrid wheel-leg mode in order to be negotiated in an unstable terrain environment. The mechanical effect of the proposed variable wheel mechanism was analyzed considering the geometric constraint and power requirement of the actuator for the transformation. In addition, we designed and manufactured the prototype of field-driving robot, which reliably control the variable wheel shape. Finally, the effectiveness of the variable wheel mechanism was verified by preliminary experimental approach.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.9-17
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• 2018

For Earth observation, a small satellite camera has relatively weak structural stability compared to medium-sized satellite, resulting in misalignment of optical components due to severe launching and space environments. These alignment errors can deteriorate the optical performance of satellite cameras. In this study, we proposed a 3-axis focus mechanism to compensate misalignment in a small satellite camera. This mechanism consists of three piezo-electric actuators to perform x-axis and y-axis tilt with de-space compensation. Design requirements for the focus mechanism were derived from the design of the Schmidt-Cassegrain target optical system. To compensate the misalignment of the secondary mirror (M2), the focus mechanism was installed just behind the M2 to control the 3-axis movement of M2. In this case, flexure design with Box-Behnken test plan was used to minimize optical degradation due to wave front error. The wave front error was analyzed using ANSYS. The fabricated focus mechanism demonstrated excellent servo performance in experiments with PID servo control.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 2012

In general, a conventional flap on an aircraft wing can reduce the aerodynamic efficiency due to geometric discontinuity. On the other hand, the aerodynamic performance can be improved by using a shape-morphing wing instead of a separate flap. In this research, a new flap morphing mechanism that can change the wing shape smoothly was devised to prevent aerodynamic losses. Moreover, a prototype wing was fabricated to demonstrate the morphing mechanism. A shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator was used for the morphing wing. The specific current range was measured to control the SMA actuator. The deflection angles at the trailing edge were also measured while various currents were applied to the SMA actuator. The trailing edge of the wing changed smoothly when the current was applied. Moreover, the deflection angle also increased as the current increased. The maximum frequency level was around 0.1 Hz. The aerodynamic performance of the deformed airfoil by the SMA wire was analyzed by using the commercial program GAMBIT and FLUENT. The results were compared with the results of an undeformed wing. It was demonstrated that the morphing mechanism changes the wing shape smoothly without the extension of the wing skin.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.10-16
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• 2020

We propose a capture mechanism based on the principles of fishing nets that can be mounted on the drone using cable. The gripper mechanism, mainly proposed for the drone is heavy, and is limited to catch standardized objects. In contrast, the proposed capture device in this paper is light, flexible, and can capture various types of objects from a long distance. The theoretical relationships between cables and mechanisms were analyzed. Finally, the capture device was designed and manufactured to be installed in the drone (DJI S900) to conduct capturing experiments for various objects and verify the validity.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1-6
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• 2021

The non-explosive holding and release mechanism is used to prevent damage to the mission component caused by explosives when the deployment structure for Cube Satellites is separated. However, among the several types available, the non-explosive holding and release mechanism system using nylon wires depend on the nylon wire knot method and tightening power of the worker. Therefore, in this study, we conducted experiments with the operation of a new holding and release mechanism system by conceptualizing the Boa System Dial, which can provide a constant tightening force regardless of worker proficiency and deploying a imitational solar panel. In this study, the process of binding and unbinding with constant tension was recorded while applying the novel non-explosive holding and release mechanism using the Boa System Dial proposed. In addition, required advances are indicated for the application of the proposed system to actual Cube Satellites.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2012

This paper presents a transformable track mechanism for wall climbing robots. The proposed mechanism allows a wall climbing robot to go over obstacles by transforming the track shape, and also increases contact area between track and wall surface for safe attachment. The track mechanism is realized using a timing belt track with one driving actuator. The inner frame of the track consists of serially connected 5R-joints and 1P-joint, and all joints of the inner frame are passively operated by springs, so the mechanism does not require any actuators and complex control algorithms to change its shape. Static analysis is carried out to determine design parameters which enable $90^{\circ}$ wall-to-wall transition and driving over projected obstacles on wall surfaces. A Prototype is manufactured using the transformable track on which polymer magnets are installed for adhesion force. The size of the prototype is $628mm{\times}200mm{\times}150mm$ ($Length{\times}Width{\times}Height$) and weight is 4kgf. Experiments are performed to verify its climbing capability focusing on $90^{\circ}$ wall to wall transition and driving over projected obstacle.