Gimbal Locking Structure for Fixed Yaw During Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gimbals lack a mechanism to securely lock their attitude in a non-operational state, making them inconvenient to store and transport due to uncontrolled rotation.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure for a gimbal that includes a rotating member, a bearing member, a cover, a locking switch, and a positioning snap member connected via an elastic member, allowing for yaw-axis locking by snapping the snap-fit portion into a preset position on the bearing member when the locking switch is activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If limiting structures are provided to restrict operating angle, then the gimbal can rotate within particular angular ranges during operation, but the gimbal cannot lock its attitude in non-operational state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure transitions from a static limiting structure to a dynamic system that can adapt between two states: during operation, the snap member retracts to allow full rotational freedom; in non-operational state, the snap member extends to engage with the bearing member and lock the attitude. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the structure flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of rotational freedom by using an elastic member connected to a locking switch. When the switch is activated, the elastic member deforms and pushes the snap member to engage with the bearing member, changing the system from an unlocked state (full rotation) to a locked state (fixed attitude), thereby providing both operational flexibility and storage stability.
2Device complexity
If no locking mechanism is provided, then the gimbal structure remains simple, but the gimbal is inconvenient to store or transport due to uncontrolled rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is designed to be self-activating through the elastic member. When the locking switch is pressed, the elastic member automatically pushes the snap member to engage with the bearing member without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. This self-service approach provides effective locking functionality while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, independent module consisting of the locking switch, elastic member, and snap member, rather than integrating it into the main gimbal structure. This modular approach allows the locking capability to be added without significantly increasing the overall complexity of the gimbal system.
3Reliability
If a locking switch and elastic member are added, then the gimbal can be locked in non-operational state, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as a basic locking switch, a standard elastic member (spring), and a snap-fit component. These are straightforward mechanical elements that are easy to manufacture and replace, providing reliable locking functionality without introducing complex electronic or mechanical systems.
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
Enables secure locking of the gimbal in a non-operational state, preventing unwanted rotation and facilitating storage and transportation by ensuring the yaw-axis is fixed at a preset position.
Implementation Method 1
One end of the positioning snap member is connected to the locking switch via an elastic member. Another end of the positioning snap member includes a snap-fit portion configured to be snapped to the bearing member to effect a yaw-axis locking of the gimbal when the locking switch is pushed downwards to exert a pressure on the positioning snap member
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal includes an axis structure including a locking structure, a rotating member including a rotor of a motor or a member fixedly connected to a rotor, and a bearing member rotatably connected to the rotating member and including a stator of the motor or a member fixedly connected to a stator. The axis structure is configured to be locked by the locking structure when the axis structure rotates to a preset position in a non-operational state of the gimbal.