Gimbal Imbalance Compensation via Dynamic Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gimbal systems experience jitter due to changes in the center of gravity caused by movable components such as zoom lenses, leading to undesirable vibrations and instability during operation.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal assembly with an imbalance compensation system that includes a movable weight and a controller to dynamically adjust the position of the weight, counteracting the effects of movable components and maintaining the center of gravity, thereby stabilizing the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable components such as zoom lenses are repositioned to change field of view, then the imaging capability and versatility of the gimbal system is improved, but the center of gravity of the system shifts causing jitter and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an imbalance compensator with a movable counterweight that dynamically adjusts to offset the shifting center of gravity caused by repositioning zoom lenses. The counterweight mechanism generates an opposing moment to balance the system, eliminating jitter and vibration while maintaining imaging versatility across different focal lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static balance configuration to a dynamic balancing system where the counterweight position is continuously adjusted based on the real-time position of movable components. This dynamic adaptation allows the gimbal to maintain stability throughout the entire range of motion of the zoom lenses and other movable elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the center of gravity is kept fixed to eliminate jitter, then the stability of the gimbal system is improved, but the ability to reposition components for different imaging functions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The imbalance compensator acts as a counterweight system that actively balances the moments generated by repositioned components. This allows components to move freely for different imaging functions while the compensator maintains the overall center of gravity stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of the counterweight position to accommodate component repositioning. Rather than restricting component movement, the system adapts in real-time to maintain balance, enabling full range of motion for imaging functions while preserving gimbal stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an imbalance compensation system is added to counteract center of gravity shifts, then the jitter and vibration are reduced, but the complexity of the gimbal system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imbalance compensator uses a mechanical counterweight system that directly counteracts the center of gravity shifts. This approach provides effective jitter reduction through physical balancing rather than complex electronic control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect the position of movable components and automatically adjusts the counterweight position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automates the balancing process, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the added complexity of the compensation mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal assembly may include an imbalance compensation system having a driver operatively connected to a movable weight. A controller may determine a compensating position for the movable weight to counterbalance an effective moment imparted on the gimbal assembly by one or more movable components therein. The controller may command the driver to relocate the movable weight to the compensating position.