Self-Calibrating Gimbal Angle Sensing for Compact Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gimbals face challenges in miniaturization and calibration of angle detecting sensors, requiring external calibration apparatuses which complicates the design and increases size.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal system that includes acceleration sensors, calculators for attitude and angle information, and an angle detecting sensor to calculate correction values, allowing for self-calibration without external apparatuses, enabling stabilization of supported units in predetermined attitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a noncontact type angle detecting sensor is used to reduce frictional resistance and improve controllability, then the controllability is improved, but a component connecting the angle detecting sensor to a calibration apparatus is needed, making it difficult to miniaturize the gimbal
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal performs self-calibration of the angle detecting sensor using its own acceleration sensor and calculation units, eliminating the need for external calibration apparatuses. The correction value calculation unit computes calibration data by comparing attitude information from the acceleration sensor with angle information from the angle detecting sensor during rotation, enabling the system to calibrate itself without additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is merged into the gimbal's existing control system by integrating the acceleration sensor and correction value calculation unit into the gimbal assembly. This combines the calibration capability with the stabilization function, eliminating the need for separate calibration apparatuses and reducing overall system volume.
2Measurement precision
If external calibration apparatuses are used to calibrate the angle detecting sensor, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal performs self-calibration of the angle detecting sensor using its own acceleration sensor and calculation units, eliminating the need for external calibration apparatuses. The correction value calculation unit computes calibration data by comparing attitude information from the acceleration sensor with angle information from the angle detecting sensor during rotation, enabling the system to calibrate itself without additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor serves as an intermediary reference for calibrating the angle detecting sensor. By using the acceleration sensor to detect gravitational direction and comparing it with the angle detecting sensor readings during controlled rotation, the system establishes a reference framework for calibration without requiring external calibration equipment.
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
The system achieves accurate and efficient stabilization of supported units by calculating correction values for angle information, resulting in a compact and highly accurate gimbal design.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor configured to detect an acceleration of the supported unit
Implementation Method 2
an angle detecting sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal configured to stabilize a supported unit in a predetermined attitude includes an acceleration sensor configured to detect an acceleration of the supported unit, a first calculator configured to calculate attitude information of the supported unit using the acceleration, a rotator including a rotor member rotatable relative to a stator member, an angle detecting sensor configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotator, and a second calculator configured to calculate a correction value for the angle information using the attitude information and the angle information of the rotator based on the rotation angle.