Gimbal Motor Mechanical Limiting Device for Extended Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical limiting devices for gimbals restrict the rotation angle of the yaw axis to 360°, which is insufficient for advanced applications, and software-based solutions require high stability in control programs to prevent motor rotor breakage.

Innovation Solution

A motor mechanical limiting device comprising a limiting ring, first and second limiting devices, where the first device is fixed on the rotor and the second on the stator, with a stopping edge and connecting rods allowing rotation beyond 360° by passing through a region, ensuring the rotation stops at a defined angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a traditional mechanical limiting device is used with a limiting member fixed on the rotor and a stop member fixed on the stator, then the structure is simple, but the rotation angle is limited to 360° and cannot achieve larger rotation angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimiting device structureVSAvoidrotation angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting device is divided into two independent limiting mechanisms: a first limiting device with a limiting member on the rotor and a second limiting device with a stop member on the stator. This segmentation allows each limiting device to work independently, enabling the rotor to rotate through more than 360° by passing the first limiting device and being stopped by the second limiting device at a different angular position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A signal transmission mechanism (such as a cable or sensor) acts as an intermediary between the rotor and the external system. This intermediary can withstand the rotational movement and transmit signals or forces without limiting the rotation angle to 360°, allowing the rotor to achieve larger rotation angles while maintaining system connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If software limiting is used to preset the maximum rotation angle, then the limiting function is achieved, but the control program must have 100% stability and any failure will cause the cable to break

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol program stabilityVSAvoidcable breakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical limiting devices are installed in advance on the rotor and stator to prevent over-rotation before it can occur. These physical constraints act as a safety mechanism that independently limits the rotation angle regardless of software control stability, thereby preventing cable breakage even if the control program fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting member and stop member are positioned in advance to create a mechanical buffer or stop before the rotor can rotate beyond the safe angle. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if software control fails, the mechanical structure will physically prevent the cable from breaking by stopping the rotation at a predetermined position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the first limiting device is fixed on the rotor and the second on the stator, then rotation beyond 360° is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation angle rangeVSAvoidlimiting device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting member and stop member are designed with universal functionality that serves both as rotation limiters and as structural components of the motor assembly. By integrating these limiting functions into existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components, the increase in device complexity is minimized while still achieving the multi-functionality of enabling rotation beyond 360°.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11159106B2Gimbal motor mechanical limiting device and gimbal thereof

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 AUTEL ROBOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present application discloses a motor mechanical limiting device for limiting rotation of a motor. The device includes: a limiting ring, a first limiting device, and a second limiting device. The first limiting device is fixedly connected on a rotor of motor. The second limiting device is fixed on a motor stator. The limiting ring is in bearing connection with the rotor of motor. The limiting ring protrudes to form a stopping edge. Both the first limiting device and the second limiting device are located on a circumferential rotation path of the stopping edge, and the second limiting device is provided with a region for the first limiting device to pass through.