A Torque Motor Servorotator for Vestibular Application

摘要

The Periodic Angular Rotator is a novel servorotator designed for studies of the dynamic response of the oculovestibular system. It will rotate a single subject about an Earth-vertical axis in a wide variety of stimulus waveforms. Step function, ramp, and sinusoidal angular motions are generated precisely by a closed-loop power servomechanism drive system. The use of a low speed DC torque motor coupled directly to the payload resulted in a system with low acoustic noise and mechanical vibration properties, fast dynamic response characteristics, and a high degree of coupling stiffness. When operated in a velocity mode of control, the device is rated to produce a maximum angular velocity of 100 rpm either clockwise or counterclockwise at angular accelerations up to 100 deg/sq sec and sinusoidal oscillation frequencies beyond 2.0 cps. When operated in the alternative displacement mode, similar ratings apply over a plus or minus 150 degree excursion. (Author)