Switching Control Research Articles

Exponential Stabilization of Stochastic Systems via Novel Event-Triggered Switching Controls

Exponential Stabilization of Stochastic Systems via Novel Event-Triggered Switching Controls

Bending/force switching control of pneumatic soft actuator based on multi-sensor fusion

Abstract The soft actuator has unlimited freedom, and can realize the grasping of irregular or fragile objects. A pneumatic soft actuator is designed in this paper, which consists of a series of symmetrically distributed pneumatic chambers. The soft actuator consists of a top expansion layer composed of 20 chambers and a bottom restraint layer. The Yeoh model and the finite element method (FEM) were employed to analyze the bending of the soft actuator. To improve the tracking performance, a PID strategy of the endocrine system (ES-PID) based on the neuroendocrine thyroid hormone regulation mechanism was constructed to tune the bending deformation. To achieve steady and precise force control, a bending/force switching control algorithm based on multi-sensor fusion is designed to realize high control accuracy. The bending/force switching control strategy mainly consists of two feedback loops for bending control, a force control, and a switching control. In the experimental process, the bending control is the primary control, and the force control is the primary control when the switching condition is satisfied. In order to prevent the occurrence of a false switching action, a switching factor is constructed using the method of successive comparison of neighboring values. Finally, several experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the control algorithm.

Striatal cholinergic transmission in an inducible transgenic mouse model of paroxysmal non-kinesiogenic dyskinesia

Altered interaction between striatonigral dopaminergic (DA) inputs and local acetylcholine (ACh) in striatum has long been hypothesized to play a central role in the pathophysiology of dystonia and dyskinesia. Indeed, previous research using several genetic mouse models of human isolated dystonia identified a shared endophenotype with paradoxical excitation of striatal cholinergic interneuron (ChIs) activity in response to activation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R). These mouse models lack a dystonic motor phenotype, which leaves a critical gap in comprehending the role of DA and ACh transmission in the manifestations of dystonia. To tackle this question, we used a combination of ex vivo slice physiology and in vivo monitoring of striatal ACh dynamics in the inducible, phenotypically penetrant, transgenic mouse model of paroxysmal non-kinesiogenic dyskinesia (PNKD), an animal with both dystonic and dyskinetic features. We found that, similarly to genetic models of isolated dystonia, the PNKD mouse displays D2R-induced paradoxical excitation of ChI firing in ex vivo striatal brain slices. In vivo, caffeine triggers dystonic symptoms while reversing the D2R-mediated excitation of ChIs and desynchronizing ACh release in PNKD mice. In WT littermate controls, caffeine stimulates spontaneous locomotion through a similar but reversed mechanism involving an excitatory switch of the D2R control of ChI activity, associated with enhanced synchronization of ACh release. These observations suggest that the “paradoxical excitation” of cholinergic interneurons described in isolated dystonia models could represent a compensatory or protective mechanism that prevents manifestation of movement abnormalities and that phenotypic dystonia is possible only when this is absent. These findings also suggest that D2Rs may play an important role in synchronizing the ChI network leading to rhythmic ACh release during heightened movement states. Dysfunction of this interaction and corresponding desynchrony of ACh release may contribute to aberrant movements.

Optimization Control Strategy for Light Load Efficiency of Four-Switch Buck-Boost Converter

The four-switch buck-boost (FSBB) converter usually adopts a pseudo-continuous conduction mode (PCCM) soft switching (ZVS) control strategy, but there is a problem with the low efficiency of FSBB converters under light loads. Firstly, the constraints that the control variables of the FSBB converter need to satisfy are analyzed, and it is pointed out that the fixed frequency constraint is not necessary. Then, the switching frequency is used to control the degree of freedom, and the quantitative relationship between the FSBB converter loss and the switching frequency is obtained. Finally, for different input voltages and loads, the switching frequency corresponding to the minimum power loss is calculated offline. By optimizing the switching frequency, the light-load efficiency of the FSBB converter is improved. A prototype with an input voltage range of 210 V–330 V, an output voltage of 270 V, and an output power of 3 kW was developed. The loss was reduced by 15% at 20% load, and the peak efficiency of the converter reached 99.23%. The experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.

Multivariable switching control of a compliant piezoelectric microgripper with force/position interaction interferences

This paper presents multivariable switching control of a piezoelectric microgripper regarding its output displacement, gripping force, and manipulated position. Unlike existing microgripper control, it simultaneously regulates force/position variables. Meanwhile, force/position interaction interferences and signal itself overshooting are suppressed. Firstly, a symmetrical microgripper with two independent gripping arms is introduced. Then, a generalized dynamic model is established by considering structural dynamics, electromechanical coupling, and force/position interaction. After that, multivariable switching control is proposed to achieve clamp-carry-release manipulation using dual-input and dual-output (DIDO) perturbation displacement and force/position controllers. Finally, various switching experiments are conducted, demonstrating that force/position interaction interferences are reduced by 83.76 % and 87.51 %, and interference-suppression time is shortened from 0.86 s and 0.70 s to 0.49 s and 0.41 s. Also, overshoots of gripping force and position are eliminated with a smaller settling time. The proposed multivariable switching control exhibits superior regulation performance, guaranteeing manipulation accuracy and stability.

Dynamic output feedback robust MPC hybrid fault-tolerant control for discrete uncertain systems: a switching control strategy

To guarantee the control performance of the discrete system under unmeasurable state and partial actuator failure, a robust dynamic output feedback predictive fault-tolerant control method derived from switching strategy is developed. A new iterative error switching model is established, which both ensures tracking performance and lays the foundation for the development of the next switching controller. Based on this model, output feedback switching fault-tolerant controller is developed. Compared with conventional fault-tolerant control methods, the designed controller can be used under the case of unmeasurable states, and it is more fault tolerant and less conservative. According to the Lyapunov stability theory, the robust stability analysis is carried out under normal and fault conditions, respectively. Then, depending on the findings of the stability analysis, sufficient conditions to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop normal and faulty system are derived. Finally, the suggested method's efficacy is confirmed using the injection moulding process as an example.

Optimal switching of vaccination for an infectious disease model

We study a switched SIHR (Susceptible Infected Hospitalized Recovered) model for infectious diseases. The aim is to find the most effective switching signal to manage the disease's effects as effectively as maintaining a continuous vaccination program. A nonlinear, non-convex optimal control problem of the switched system is converted into a linear and convex optimal control problem by applying the theory of moments and semi-definite programming. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to compare continuous vaccination programs and optimal switching of vaccination control. For more information see https://ejde.math.txstate.edu/Volumes/2024/59/abstr.html

Greater than Five-Order-of-Magnitude Postcompression Temporal Contrast Improvement with an Ionization Plasma Grating.

High-intensity lasers require suppression of prepulses and other nonideal temporal structure to avoid target disruption before the arrival of the main pulse. To address this, we demonstrate that ionization gratings act as a controllable optical switch for high-power light with a temporal contrast improvement of at least 3×10^{5} and a switching time less than 500fs. We also show that a grating system can run for hours at 10Hz without degradation. The contrast improvement from an ionization grating compares favorably to that achievable with plasma mirrors.

Crystallization‐Induced Dimerization and Solution‐Phase Bond Dissociation of Stable Dibenzoolympicenyl Radicals

Crystallization of organic materials can lead to different assembly structure with different reactivity, but this phenomenon is rarely observed for delocalized hydrocarbon radicals. This report introduces a crystallization‐induced radical–radical coupling reaction, which employs a series of stable nonplanar organic π‐radicals as reactants. Six stable radical congeners are synthesized, resulting in radical–radical coupling at the allenyl radical site during crystallization to produce close‐shell dimers. This coupling reaction is absent in the solution phase, which highlights the importance of preorganization in the lattice. Remarkably, the attempts of cocrystallization of different congeners yielded homocoupling products instead of cross‐coupling products. In specific cases, two distinct polymorphs are observed and their reactivity is different according to the distance of the reaction sites. Theoretical calculations indicate that the transition from a metastable preorganized monomer to a dimer is barrierless and spontaneous. The dimer could regenerate free radicals by heating or photoirradiation in the solution phase. This discovery may lead to controllable molecular switches.

Crystallization-Induced Dimerization and Solution-Phase Bond Dissociation of Stable Dibenzoolympicenyl Radicals.

Crystallization of organic materials can lead to different assembly structure with different reactivity, but this phenomenon is rarely observed for delocalized hydrocarbon radicals. This report introduces a crystallization-induced radical-radical coupling reaction, which employs a series of stable nonplanar organic π-radicals as reactants. Six stable radical congeners are synthesized, resulting in radical-radical coupling at the allenyl radical site during crystallization to produce close-shell dimers. This coupling reaction is absent in the solution phase, which highlights the importance of preorganization in the lattice. Remarkably, the attempts of cocrystallization of different congeners yielded homocoupling products instead of cross-coupling products. In specific cases, two distinct polymorphs are observed and their reactivity is different according to the distance of the reaction sites. Theoretical calculations indicate that the transition from a metastable preorganized monomer to a dimer is barrierless and spontaneous. The dimer could regenerate free radicals by heating or photoirradiation in the solution phase. This discovery may lead to controllable molecular switches.

Optimization and performance analysis of a novel automatic planting-irrigating integrated robot

Soil desertification is a severe environmental problem that seriously threatens the ecological environment and sustainable development. Traditional tree-planting methods face challenges such as insufficient labor force and low efficiency. Based on these problems, this study designed a novel automatic planting-irrigation integrated robot with automatic planting, irrigating, and monitoring functions. The robot obtains land information through laser triangle ranging technology, the camera, and other sensors. Machine vision and deep learning algorithms are applied for image processing and identification to identify the areas suitable for tree planting accurately. The drip irrigation module adopts the DHT11 digital temperature and humidity sensor control switch, which can realize efficient tree planting and watering operation, and ensure the growth of saplings and has a broad application prospect. Our design is meaningful in restraining soil desertification, maintaining the ecological environment, and realizing a sustainable economy.

Coexistence of ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity in 2D van der Waals multiferroic

Multiferroic materials have been intensively pursued to achieve the mutual control of electric and magnetic properties. The breakthrough progress in 2D magnets and ferroelectrics encourages the exploration of low-dimensional multiferroics, which holds the promise of understanding inscrutable magnetoelectric coupling and inventing advanced spintronic devices. However, confirming ferroelectricity with optical techniques is challenging in 2D materials, particularly in conjunction with antiferromagnetic orders in single- and few-layer multiferroics. Here, we report the discovery of 2D vdW multiferroic with out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization in trilayer NiI2 device, as revealed by scanning reflective magnetic circular dichroism microscopy and ferroelectric hysteresis loops. The evolution between ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases has been unambiguously observed. Moreover, the magnetoelectric interaction is directly probed by magnetic control of the multiferroic domain switching. This work opens up opportunities for exploring multiferroic orders and multiferroic physics at the limit of single or few atomic layers, and for creating advanced magnetoelectronic devices.

Supervisory control strategy for dual battery assisted solar water pumping using a 3-stage interleaved boost converter

This article proposes effective power management and battery protection strategies for a solar photovoltaic (SPV) powered dual-battery supported standalone water pumping approach propelled by a permanent magnet brushless direct current (PMBLDC) motor. A drift-avoidance perturb and observe MPPT algorithm is employed in conjunction with a 3-stage interleaved boost converter (TSIBC) and proposes a switching control scheme to enable double-stage solar photovoltaic generation system (SPGS) to operate at its maximum accessible power point (MPP) irrespective of any variation in climatic condition. The proposed dual battery control scheme (DBCS), which integrates a primary battery with an auxiliary battery, is connected to the 310 V DC link. This dual battery setup utilizes a parallel-active configuration facilitated by two bidirectional DC-DC converters (BDCs). The core idea behind dualization aims to maintain the state of charge (SoC) of the primary battery within upper and lower limits with the help of an auxiliary battery unit and regulate the DC link voltage at 310 V during fluctuations generated in the protection period. This scheme significantly extends the battery's lifespan, achieving an estimated 800 to 1000 cycles by maintaining its depth of discharge (DoD) at a level of 70 %. A centralized power handling unit (CPHU) is integrated for both the BDCs to facilitate the operating mode selection and regulate DC link voltage by alternatively charging/discharging both batteries. This approach enhances overall system efficiency by eliminating the need to oversize the solar array by up to 46 %, which would have been necessary to fully charge both batteries simultaneously. Previously, the DC link voltage regulation relied solely on MPPT control, resulting in significant deviations (up to ±38.43 %) during battery overcharging/deep-discharging (SoC ≥ 90 %/SoC ≤ 20 %). This work proposes a solution using an auxiliary battery controller within the DBCS, achieving near-zero (±0.5 %) DC link voltage deviation under all operating conditions. The effectiveness of the suggested DBCS controller is validated through a time-domain simulation conducted in MATLAB/Simulink, alongside real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) digital simulator using the OPAL-RT platform. The acquired results corroborate enhanced performance for the standalone water pumping system (WPS) and demonstrate a seamless shift from the normal operational mode to battery protection mode, while ensuring steady regulation of the DC link voltage.

Hierarchical Control in Mechatronic Technological Systems

The topic of hierarchical control of technological machines is one of the most relevant in mechanical engineering technology. The most difficult issue in this area is the organization of interactions between different control levels, on the one hand, and the choice of automatic control methods for each of these control levels (control by deviation, control by disturbance, mixed control, etc.), on the other. In this article, in relation to machining technology, a method and corresponding device are proposed that make it possible to implement the control of cutting force parameters (axial cutting force and cutting torque) in an automatic control system for the deviation of cutting torque by changing the axial cutting force (lower level of control). The lower-level control ensures the required quality of the surface layer (surface integrity) of the machined parts. At the same time, the required dimensional accuracy of parts is ensured at the upper level of control, which is implemented by the CNC system of the machine. At the upper level, automatic control is carried out based on the deviation of the kinematic parameters of the movement of the working parts of the CNC machine (acceleration, speed, displacement). Control switching from upper to lower level and back is carried out without using a spindle linear axial movement sensor. Instead of this expensive sensor, a limit switch (a closed and opened pair of contacts) is used, which fixes the lowest axial position of the spindle (and cutting tool). Based on the signal of closing the specified contacts of the limit switch, a transition from the lower control level to the upper one is carried out. Thus, the upper-level system operates only when these contacts are closed, and the lower-level system operates only when they are open. In relation to the upper-level system, the lower-level control system implements the control “by disturbance” principle, also known in control theory as the “disturbance compensation principle”.

Endogenous enzyme-activated AND-gate DNA nanomachines for intracellular miRNA detection and cell-selective imaging

The occurrence and development of tumors are accompanied by the abnormal expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs). Therefore, miRNAs are considered as an important biomarker. The establishment of efficient, simple and sensitive miRNA imaging methods in living cells will contribute to the early diagnosis, treatment and drug development of diseases. In this study, we developed an endogenous enzyme-initiated AND logic circuit using gold nanocubes (AuNCs) as carriers for simultaneous detection of miRNA-21 and miRNA-210 in cells. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and telomerase (TE), which are overexpressed in cancer cells, act as control switches in a logic circuit that enables sensitive in situ analysis of intracellular miRNAs without additional external intervention. At the same time, due to the lack of necessary enzymes as activation switches, the DNA circuit in normal cells remains in an inactive state. This strategy effectively reduces the risk of false positive signal generation. Our research results show that the logic circuit can not only distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells, and able to distinguish between different types of cancer cells. This finding provides a promising approach to accurately identify cell types.

Nickel-plated cyanate Ester/melamine shape memory composites for stable electromagnetic shielding switch, infrared stealth, and flame retardancy

Military equipment must receive signals but is prone to malfunction due to electromagnetic interference. Moreover, operational temperature variations can be detected by infrared sensors, leading to potential exposure. Therefore, developing materials that integrate electromagnetic shielding switches with infrared stealth capabilities is crucial for enhancing target security. This study investigates a novel composite material that combines shape memory polymer (SMP) and conductive layers for integrated functionality. Utilizing melamine sponge as the substrate, a cyanate ester (CE)-nitrile rubber (NR) SMP coating is applied via dip-coating, allowing the sponge to self-fixate after deformation. The SMP demonstrates stable shape recovery. Subsequently, a conductive nickel layer is added through keratin modification and chemical plating, providing electromagnetic shielding effectiveness exceeding 30 dB and reducing infrared emissivity to 0.6. The composite material is capable of achieving controllable electromagnetic shielding switches of 35 dB and 15 dB. It maintains excellent electromagnetic shielding and infrared stealth capabilities even under acid rain conditions and extreme temperature variations. This innovative approach holds significant promise for applications requiring simultaneous electromagnetic and infrared protection.

Dynamics of a stochastic impulsive vegetation system with regime switching

This paper describes an analytical and numerical investigation of a novel stochastic impulsive vegetation system with regime switching. Impulsive control, white noise, regime switching, and rainfall are modeled as crucial factors to simulate natural ecological phenomena, with the aim to explore the effects of those factors on the dynamics of vegetation system. Dynamics of the system, including the existence and uniqueness of global positive solutions, extinction, non-persistence in the mean, weak persistence and stochastic persistence, are investigated firstly under the effects of impulsive control and regime switching. For system without impulsive perturbations, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of the stationary distribution for the system, demonstrating that the vegetation can survive forever. Using a sophisticated sensitivity analysis technique, it is found that the vegetation biomass is highly sensitive to the rainfall but least sensitive to the saturation constant of the vegetation consumption. Our numerical results reveal that either the reduced rainfall or increased environmental disturbance can tip the balance of vegetation system, but this relationship can be effectively regulated by implementing impulsive control schemes. Additionally, it is observed that system at high-level rainfall may be detrimental to maintain the balance of vegetation, but regime switching in rainfall patterns can balance different states of vegetation and provide higher survival chance for vegetation. Significantly, it emphasizes that the persistence-extinction behaviors of the vegetation are more sensitive to the change of regime switching, indicating that the proper and general environmental disturbances is beneficial to maintain dynamic balance of vegetation system. These findings may provide new insights into the complex vegetation system dynamics.

A passive self-excited oscillation AC low-voltage energy harvesting circuit without a bridge

Most current electromagnetic energy harvesters use capacitor voltage multipliers or boost circuits controlled by external signals to step up and store energy. However, for most low-voltage output electromagnetic energy harvesters, generating switching control signals and rectification results in significant energy loss. To reduce these losses, this paper proposes an AC boost circuit without additional power supply or rectifier bridge, designed for low-voltage electromagnetic energy harvesting. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed interface. The results show that the circuit can start self-excited boosting at an initial voltage of 0.48V and achieve an AC-DC conversion efficiency of 71.3 % within an input voltage range of 0–2.9V.

Adaptive Supervisory Control of Automated Manufacturing Systems With Unreliable Resources Based on Smart Switch Controllers

Adaptive Supervisory Control of Automated Manufacturing Systems With Unreliable Resources Based on Smart Switch Controllers

Eksik Tahrikli Döner Ters Sarkaç Sisteminin Yukarı Yükseltilmesi için Enerji Tabanlı Doğrusal Olmayan Kontrol Algoritması ve Deneysel Doğrulaması

Bu çalışmada, döner ters sarkaç sistemi hareketli koluyla sınırlı bir bölge içinde, salınımı kontrol edilerek ve sarkaç enerjisi artırılarak, kararlı denge noktasından kararsız denge noktasına çıkarılması hedeflenmektedir. Döner ters sarkaç sisteminin doğrusal olmayan modeli ve denge noktalarındaki doğrusal modelleri verildikten sonra sarkaç yukarı yükseltme algoritması tanıtılmaktadır. Yukarı yükseltme algoritması, sarkaç salınırken belli noktalarda kol yardımıyla sarkaca enerji yüklemesine dayanmaktadır. Burada kol ivmelendirilmesi sabit bir ivme ile hareket ettirilmektedir. Yukarı yükseltme işlemindeki algoritma, sarkacın hızının en fazla olduğu yere yani kararlı denge noktasına ilerlerken ve periyodunu tamamlarken devreye girmektedir. Bu analizler hesaplanmış sınırlar dikkate alınarak yapılmaktadır. Sarkacın yukarı yükselmesi gerçekleştiğinde doğrusal model üzerinden elde edilmiş temel bir tam durum geri beslemeli kontrolcü devreye girmektedir ve sarkacı kararsız denge noktasında tutmaktadır. Böylece, anahtarlamalı bir kontrol yapısı elde edilmektedir. Önerilen kontrol algoritmasının doğrulaması için önerilen algoritma bir döner sarkacı üzerinde gerçek zamanlı olarak test edilmiştir. Farklı kol ivmelendirme değerleri ile elde edilen karşılaştırmalı sonuçlar sunulmuştur. Kol ivmesi ±32 rad/s2’den ±64 rad/s2’ye çıkarıldığında sarkacın yukarı yükselme süresi yaklaşık 9 s’den 5 s’ye düşmektedir. Bu sonuçlar, önerilen algoritmanın deneysel başarısını göstermektedir.