Gimbal Cable Management via Rotational Coiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic and electrical cables are prone to damage and tangling when routed through gimbal mechanisms, causing binding and jamming, which hinders the repeated motion of gimbals and compromises the integrity of the cables.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal transmission cable management system with a cable retainer fixed to one gimbal portion, defining a cable volume that allows the cables to coil and uncoil about the gimbal axis, using bi-directional rotation to maintain a minimum bend radius and prevent tangling, with features like smooth surfaces and friction-reducing materials to facilitate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are routed through gimbal mechanisms to enable signal and power transmission, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but cables are prone to bending damage and tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system divides the cable routing into distinct functional zones: a fixed portion attached to the stationary gimbal housing, and a movable portion that rotates with the gimbal mechanism. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the fixed portion remains stationary avoiding bending, while the movable portion rotates freely within a controlled path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by routing cables through a cable management channel that extends perpendicular to the gimbal rotation plane. This three-dimensional routing path allows cables to accommodate radial displacement during rotation without experiencing excessive bending or tangling in the horizontal plane
2Adaptability or versatility
If cables are allowed to move freely during gimbal rotation, then repeated motion is enabled, but cables may bind or jam the gimbal mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A cable management channel acts as an intermediary structure between the rotating gimbal mechanism and the fixed cable supply. This channel guides the movable cable portion along a predetermined path, preventing it from interfering with moving parts while allowing free rotation. The channel essentially mediates the interaction between cable movement and gimbal mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system pre-configures the cable routing path before gimbal operation begins. The fixed and movable portions are attached in advance, and the cable management channel is pre-positioned to accommodate the expected range of motion. This preliminary arrangement ensures cables follow a safe path during rotation without requiring real-time adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are routed through the gimbal, then comprehensive signal and power transmission is achieved, but cables may become tangled with each other
Solution Approach 1:
Each cable is treated as a separate segmented entity with its own fixed and movable portions. The cable management channel provides individual routing paths for multiple cables, preventing them from interfering with each other. This segmentation approach allows comprehensive multi-cable transmission while eliminating tangling through spatial separation
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal transmission cable management system is disclosed. The system can include a first gimbal portion and a second gimbal portion rotatable relative to one another to provide rotation about a gimbal axis. The system can also include a cable retainer fixed relative to one of the first and second gimbal portions and defining a cable volume between the cable retainer and at least one of the first and second gimbal portions. In addition, the system can include a transmission cable coiled about the gimbal axis within the cable volume. Bi-directional relative rotation of the first and second gimbal portions can alternately coil and uncoil a portion of the transmission cable about the gimbal axis within the cable volume.