Invocon Applications
Invocon has developed technologies for diverse, customer specific applications: in space, under water, in tunnels, on aircraft, in tires, on gears... This page introduces a few of these applications and describes how Invocon technologies have been utilized for application-specific data acquisition.
To view Invocon's "Hallmarks of Success" in the space program, click here.
If you have any questions about your specific application or if you need information regarding any of our technologies please contact our Field Applications Engineering group.
Visit Invocon's Technology Matrix to see a comparison of all our systems.
Invocon Applications
Invocon
produces a variety of control, power and monitoring solutions
for rocket and missile applications. These are flight qualified
devices for safe and reliable control and monitoring of ordnance
and various flight events. These include Multichannel Event
Sequencers, Capacitive Discharge Initiator (CDI) Modules,
Lithium Ion Polymer Smart Batteries, power controllers, and
Kinetic Impact Position Systems. Below are some of the available
technology profiles:
- - Invocon Smart Batteries (7.5Ah, 3.2Ah, 0.74Ah)
- - Capacitive Discharge Initiator
- - Multichannel Event Sequencer
- - Power Control Assembly
The Integrated PCM Encoder (iPCMe) provides a significant number
of data channels for remote sensing and synchronous logging in a
highly integrated configuration. With over 100 channels of input
in a small package, the iPCMe is designed as a low-cost solution
for a broad range of telemetry applications.
Click here to access the iPCMe data sheet.
The iPCMe was used during CTREX rocket experiment in 2014. Click here for the summary of iPCMe use during the CTREX experiment.
The
Distributed Impact Detection System (DIDS) was originally
designed to detect and locate impacts on space vehicles. With a
sample rate approaching 1 MHz on each of its four channels and
its fast wake up capability, DIDS provides highly dynamic data.
Since its initial application, its capabilities have been
expanded to locate leaks in pressurized volumes such as the
International Space Station. A low-frequency version (30 kHz)
has also been installed in the Bigelow Expandable Activity
Module (BEAM) aboard the ISS as a means to detect impacts from
micro-meteoroids and orbital debris (MMOD).
The
Tension Measurement System (TMS) was been utilized by the NASA X-38
project to make the first-ever load distribution measurements on
a large-scale parafoil system during opening and free flight.
The insight provided by TMS riser and leading edge load
measurement has allowed NASA and Pioneer aerospace engineers to
reduce the number of full-scale drops required to refine and
qualify the X-38 parafoil system. NASA extended TMS data
utilization to include extraction of aerodynamic coefficients
and flight attitude histories from the X-38 parafoil system
during parafoil flight and landing flares.
EWIS
was developed to provide long-term structural dynamics
measurements of the International Space Station (ISS).
IWIS,
the internal, synchronized system, is deployed by the astronauts
inside the partially completed ISS to collect data on the
impulse response of the structure. This synchronized data is
used to verify the structural integrity of the ISS on orbit. It
will also be used to update models predicting the modal response
of the ISS. Complete understanding of the resonant modes of the
structure will allow effective planning of the re-boost and
Reaction Control System (RCS) firing sequences when the Shuttle
is docked with the Station. Since this data will change as the
Station is assembled, it is important to keep this data current
with each addition to the Station. The wireless nature of the
data acquisition network minimizes the time necessary for
deployment and recovery of the system. Further, some of the RCS
test firings must occur when all airlocks between modules are
closed. A wired system would not have the flexibility needed to
accommodate mission changes and data acquisition windows of
opportunity.
Click here for more information about this IWIS application.
NASA installed 44 Enhanced
Wide-Band MicroTAU (EWB MicroTAU) units in each of the last
three Space Shuttle Orbiters to monitor the RCC panels on the
leading edges of their wings. This system was developed for NASA
to detect impacts from foam during ascent, and to detect
Micro-Meteoroids and Orbital Debris (MM/OD) during space
operation. The system flew on the final 22 flights of the
Orbiter.
Click here for information about this EWB MicroTAU application
NASA
utilized the Wide-Band Micro-Miniature
Tri-Axial Accelerometer Unit, WB MicroTAU, to monitor a series
of foam impact tests simulating the launch impact event on the Space
Shuttle Columbia in early 2003. During this testing, 14 tri-axial
units were located in and around the target articles and recorded
impact signatures at 20,000Hz from each accelerometer.
Click here for information about this WB MicroTAU application.
The
Micro-miniature Wireless Instrumentation
(MicroWIS) System was used by a university in Houston, Texas,
to study stresses on a local bridge during construction and testing.
The application stemmed from concerns that a significant portion
of a bridge’s useful life may actually be expended in the construction
process due to inadequate support of its members during handling
and installation.
Click here for more information about this MicroWIS application.
The
Micro-miniature Wireless Instrumentation
System (MicroWIS) has been used to monitor external grout
pressure during construction of multiple tunnels in the Netherlands. Grout pressure
determines the amount of grout that is deposited on the outside
of the tunnel and influences the amount of settling that occurs
at the surface. This is critical for maintaining the integrity of
both the tunnel and nearby structures.
The
Multiple-Input Tiny, Enhanced Wireless
Instrumentation System, MITE WIS, is currently being used to
monitor repaired concrete sections of the Westerschelde Tunnel in
the Netherlands. The MITE WIS units help detect problems in the
repairs to the sections that have been covered by a layer of high-temperature
fireproofing.
Invocon has provided NASA multiple solutions for applications ranging from instrumentation for prototype testing to vehicle health monitoring on the International Space Station (ISS) and on the Space Shuttle Orbiter.
Click here for information about Invocon systems on the ISS
Click here for information about Invocon systems on the Shuttle