Flipper Cam Sensor Mechanism for Constrained Pod Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volume constraints in reconnaissance pods limit the ability to implement a fixed cam design for translating and rotating sensors within the compartment, hindering effective imagery collection from airborne platforms.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic cam mechanism with a cam path defined on an end plate, featuring opposed arcuate and central portions, a flipper cam, and a motor-driven lead screw system, allowing simultaneous translation and rotation of the sensor within the compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fixed cam design is used for sensor movement, then the sensor can be translated and rotated within the compartment, but the volume constraints of the compartment prevent adequate sensor movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cam mechanism itself movable through the inclusion of a flipper cam that can switch between different positions. This dynamic configuration allows the cam mechanism to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements, enabling the sensor to achieve a greater movement range within the constrained compartment volume without requiring a larger fixed cam structure.
2Volume of stationary object
If the compartment volume is reduced for airborne platform deployment, then the reconnaissance pod becomes more compact and deployable, but the sensor cannot achieve sufficient translation and rotation for effective imagery collection
Solution Approach 1:
The flipper cam mechanism provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the cam system to switch between different geometric configurations. This enables the sensor to achieve comprehensive imaging coverage (azimuthal and rotational movement) within a compact compartment, maintaining versatility despite reduced volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components including the flipper cam, cam follower, and support assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while working together to achieve the overall goal of sensor movement, maximizing the utility of the compact space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the sensor to collect imagery from both sides of the aircraft by efficiently navigating the constrained space, ensuring continuous imaging capability despite compact compartment dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw that is rotatably supported on the interior surface of the end plate. The support assembly includes a connecting block that is threadably associated with the lead screw and mounted to translate relative thereto in a linear direction
Implementation Method 2
an over-centered spring mechanism is associated with an exterior surface of the end plate to retain the flipper cam in the first and second positions thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanism for moving a sensor within a volume constrained sensor compartment, which includes a cam path (25) defined within the compartment, a cam follower (32) mounted for movement throughout the cam path (25), a support assembly (34) connected to the cam follower (32) for carrying the sensor within the compartment as the cam follower (32) moves throughout the cam path (25), and a flipper cam (40) mounted for movement relative to the cam path (25) between a first position permitting the cam follower to move within a left side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a left side of the compartment and a second position permitting the cam follower (32) to move within a right side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a right side of the compartment.