Cable-Driven Gimbal for Dual-Axis Pointing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pointing devices for radar antennas and optical transducers with multiple axes rotation are complex and heavy, limiting weight capacity and requiring advanced circuitry due to their mass and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified directional pointing apparatus using a gimbal bracket with a mounting plate and drive mechanism, featuring a drive cable and pulley system with idler pulleys, allowing rotation about two orthogonal axes for precise directional control, including the use of a reversible drive motor and adjustable pulley mounting brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex gears and drive motors are used for controlling movement, then pointing control capability is improved, but device mass increases and weight capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gears and drive motors with a cable-driven pulley system. The pulley assembly with cables provides the necessary rotational control for both axes using tensioned cables routed through grooves, eliminating heavy mechanical transmission components while maintaining pointing control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the heavy gear and motor components from the system, retaining only the essential pulley and cable mechanism needed for rotation control. This extraction of unnecessary mass directly reduces device weight while preserving functional capability
2Ease of operation
If complex gears and drive motors are used, then pointing control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical gear trains and motor assemblies with a simpler cable-pulley system. The control mechanism consists of pulleys with grooves and tensioned cables, which are mechanically simpler than gear-based systems while achieving the same rotational control function
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent pulley assemblies for each rotational axis, with cables routed through grooves on the pulleys. This segmentation allows each axis to be controlled independently through simple cable tensioning, reducing overall system complexity compared to integrated gear mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that provides for rotation about two axes orthogonal to each other includes a gimbal having two arms adjoining a portion that is mounted to a base for rotation about a first axis. A shaft defining a second axis orthogonal to the first pivotally couples a mounting plate to the arms. The mounting plate has an arcuate edge with first and second parallel grooves therein adapted to receiving a drive cable. A drive cable that is engaged with a drive pulley is aligned by at least one idler pulley with the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. The drive cable has opposing free ends that are received in the first and second grooves of the mounting plate. A motor is coupled to the drive pulley for controlling the drive cable travel, to accordingly rotate the mounting plate to provide for orientating a device in a desired direction.