초록 ▼

Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. Th

Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A force distribution system for controlling an application of a plurality of forces to a structure at a plurality of locations, the system comprising: a plurality of force application devices, each force application device operative to apply force to the structure and comprising a force sensor op

1. A force distribution system for controlling an application of a plurality of forces to a structure at a plurality of locations, the system comprising: a plurality of force application devices, each force application device operative to apply force to the structure and comprising a force sensor operative to detect a quantity of force being applied to the structure; anda computing device communicatively linked to the plurality of force application devices, the computing device comprising:a memory for storing a program containing code for controlling the application of the plurality of forces to the structure; anda processor functionally coupled to the memory, the processor being responsive to computer-executable instructions contained in the program and operative to: monitor the quantity of force being applied to the structure at each force sensor by each force application device,determine whether the quantity of force being applied to the structure by each force application device is within a threshold force value range corresponding to each of the plurality of locations, the force value comprising a quantity of force sufficient to counteract internal forces within a material of the structure and external forces on the structure at the corresponding location of the structure to prevent deformation of the structure, andcontrol the plurality of force application devices to maintain the quantity of force being applied to the structure at each of the plurality of locations within the threshold range corresponding to each of the plurality of locations. 2. The force distribution system of claim 1, wherein each force application device comprises a jack assembly. 3. The force distribution system of claim 2, wherein the computing device further comprises a display, and wherein the processor is further operative to provide the quantity of force being applied to the structure at each force sensor to the display and to provide a notification to the display when the quantity of force being applied to the structure at any of the plurality of locations deviates from the threshold range. 4. The force distribution system of claim 2, wherein each jack assembly is operative to apply force to the structure using one of a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system, and a servo driven electrical motor. 5. The force distribution system of claim 1, wherein each force sensor comprises one of a load cell, a pressure gauge, and a piezoelectric sensor. 6. The force distribution system of claim 1, wherein each force application device comprises a clamp assembly. 7. The force distribution system of claim 6, wherein the threshold range is substantially equivalent for each of the plurality of clamp assemblies.