Actuated Hard Stops for Gimbal Field-of-Regard Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical hard stops in sensor systems impose artificial constraints, limiting the field of regard and information acquisition, especially in systems with multiple cameras having unequal fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a gimbal and mechanical hard stops featuring movable stop members that can be engaged or disengaged based on sensor selection, allowing adjustable rotational movement ranges to align with the field of view of either sensor, thereby optimizing the field of regard without fixed stop limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used to prevent gimbal rotation beyond the rotation range, then the gimbal is protected from shock and accelerations, but the field of regard is unnecessarily limited when multiple cameras with unequal fields of view are mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stop member movable rather than fixed. The stop member can be positioned at different locations along the gimbal's rotation path, allowing the rotation range to be dynamically adjusted based on which camera is active. This resolves the contradiction by providing both protection (when stopped) and adaptability (when repositioned).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of stop member position from fixed to variable. By adjusting the position parameter of the stop member along the rotation arc, the system can optimize the field of regard for different camera configurations while maintaining protection capabilities. This allows the rotation range parameter to be modified based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used to define rotation range, then shock and accelerations are managed, but information acquisition is limited by artificial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The movable stop member allows the rotation range to be dynamically optimized for each imaging operation. When a camera with a wider field of view is selected, the stop member can be repositioned to allow greater rotation, thereby capturing more information without compromising shock management during actual imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the position parameter of the stop member, the system can maximize the rotation range for information acquisition when needed, while maintaining adequate protection capabilities. This parameter adjustment eliminates artificial constraints on information gathering.
3Device complexity
If a single fixed stop position is used, then the structure is simple, but the field of regard cannot be optimized for different sensor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable stop member that can be repositioned along the rotation path, providing adaptability for different sensor configurations. While this adds some complexity compared to a fixed stop, the mechanism remains relatively simple and enables optimization of the field of regard for various camera arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stop member serves multiple functions: it provides protection when positioned for shock management, enables optimization for different camera fields of view, and can be adjusted for various imaging scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering versatile performance across different operational modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure (112), a movable stop member (138) for engagement with a fixed stop member (136), and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.