A locking gimbal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking gimbals for objects like stoves and tables on transportation vehicles either allow them to swing freely but fail to lock against external loads, or they lock but cannot self-level, leading to safety issues due to limited locking range and cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
A locking gimbal system with a first object pivotally connected to a support, a second object with a movable center of gravity, and a locking member that automatically engages to lock the gimbal when an external force is applied, allowing the gimbal to self-level and prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual mechanical lock is used to lock the gimballed object against motion, then the object is protected against external direct load, but the object cannot self-level and remains dangerous under rocking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static manual lock to a dynamic automatic system that responds to motion conditions. The locking member automatically engages when relative motion between the gimballed object and support exceeds a threshold, and disengages when motion returns to normal, providing both protection and self-leveling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs locking and unlocking operations automatically based on detected motion conditions without requiring manual intervention. The connector and locking member work together to sense relative displacement and trigger appropriate locking actions, enabling the system to serve itself in maintaining safety and levelness.
2Reliability
If the locking range is extended to cover larger angular displacements, then protection against external load is improved, but the device becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from attempting to lock across all possible angular positions to detecting and responding to motion in the critical dimension of relative displacement. By focusing on detecting relative motion between components rather than maintaining lock across all angles, the system achieves effective protection with a more compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being controlled from angular position to relative motion detection. By monitoring the rate and extent of relative displacement between the gimballed object and support, the locking mechanism can respond appropriately to threatening motions while maintaining a compact structure that doesn't require coverage of the entire angular range.
3Ease of operation
If the force required to engage and retain the locking mechanism is reduced, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability under external load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs preliminary engagement through the connector that gradually brings the locking member into position. The connector acts as a motion-transmitting element that prepares the system for locking by detecting and responding to relative displacement, allowing the final locking engagement to occur automatically with minimal additional force requirement.
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
The system effectively locks the gimbal against external forces while enabling self-leveling, thereby enhancing safety by preventing accidental displacement and arresting unwanted oscillations, with a design that is not overly cumbersome or limited in locking range.
Implementation Method 1
the centre of gravity (CG F ) of the first object is spaced from the first pivot axis (P F )
Implementation Method 2
a first object pivotally connectible to a support, and being pivotable about a first pivot axis (P F ), wherein the centre of gravity (CG F ) of the first object is spaced from the first pivot axis (P F )
Implementation Method 3
pivotal displacement of the first object relative to the second object to the displaced condition in a first direction drives movement of the connector, consequentially forcing at least a portion of the locking formation from a disengaged position to an engaged position, wherein the locking member arrests further pivotal displacement of the first object
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~6
AI summary
This invention relates to a locking gimbal, 'More specifically, the invention relates to a locking gimbal for: automatically locking a gimballed object against' motion arising from an external force applied thereto; and automatically releasing the gimballed object on removal of the external force. The locking gimbal includes a first object pivotable about a first pivot axis, a second object movable along an arc centred substantially at a second axis, a locking member and. a locking formation. The first object defined a first reference axis passing through the first pivot axis and a centre of gravity of the first object, -whereas- the second object defines a second reference axis passing through the second axis and a centre of gravity of the second object. The first and second objects are movable relative to one another between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are angularly displaced relative to one another. The locking formation, actuated by displacement: between the first and second objects, is radially movable, relative to the first pivot axis between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein: (i) in the first aligned condition, the locking formation Is in a disengaged position and spaced from the locking; member, permitting rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis; and (ii) in the: second displaced condition, the locking formation is in an engaged position and In contact with the locking member thereby preventing rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis.