Gimbal Transmission Media Routing for Uncoiled Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for routing data and power transmission media through rotatable gimbal assemblies, such as those used in digital image capturing devices, face challenges with signal integrity and physical durability due to complexities like friction, inductance, and physical damage, especially when using longer transmission media.
Innovation Solution
The design of a gimbal assembly with a motor assembly and interconnected housings that include guides and channels to support transmission media in an uncoiled configuration, allowing for relative rotation and reducing the overall length of the media while maintaining signal integrity and physical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If longer transmission media are used to route power and signals through gimbal assemblies, then the media can reach all components, but signal integrity deteriorates due to inductance and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spool mechanism that dynamically adjusts the length of transmission media during gimbal rotation. The spool winds and unwinds the media as the gimbal moves between positions, maintaining optimal media length and preventing excessive inductance and friction that would occur with fixed-length routing
Solution Approach 2:
The spool acts as an intermediary component between the transmission media and the gimbal assembly. It mediates the routing by providing a controlled winding mechanism that manages media tension and length, thereby protecting signal integrity while enabling full range of motion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission media are routed internally through gimbal assemblies, then physical protection is improved, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spool mechanism directly into the gimbal assembly structure, merging the transmission media routing function with the existing mechanical components. This combination provides internal physical protection while avoiding the need for separate external routing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission media are routed through flexible pathways within the gimbal housing, using flexible channels and conduits that accommodate the spool mechanism's movement. This flexible routing approach simplifies the overall structure compared to rigid internal mounting
3Device complexity
If shorter transmission media are used to reduce complexity, then assembly is simplified, but power and signal transmission is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The spool mechanism dynamically provides the necessary media length during operation. While the media may be physically shorter in the stored configuration, the spool unwinds it during gimbal rotation, ensuring sufficient transmission distance without requiring permanently extended cables that would increase assembly complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If transmission media are allowed to coil during rotation, then flexibility is improved, but signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spool serves as an intermediary that controls the media's configuration during rotation. Instead of allowing uncontrolled coiling, the spool winds the media in a controlled manner, maintaining flexibility for movement while preventing the random coiling and twisting that causes signal degradation
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a gimbal assembly is described for use with an image capturing device. The gimbal assembly includes a motor assembly, a first housing defining an internal compartment that is configured and dimensioned to receive the motor assembly, and a second housing that is mechanically connected to the motor assembly such that actuation of the motor assembly causes relative rotation between the first and second housings. The first housing includes a first guide that is configured and dimensioned to support transmission media adapted to communicate electrical and/or digital signals. The second housing defines a channel that is configured and dimensioned to receive the first guide such that the first guide extends into the second housing through the channel. The transmission media is supported on the first guide such that the first guide routes the transmission media from the first housing into the second housing.