Automatic Locking Gimbal for Self-Levelling Under External Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gimballed objects in transportation vehicles are prone to accidental displacement due to external forces, leading to potential injuries and instability, as existing manual mechanical locks prevent self-levelling and fail to address rocking motions.
Innovation Solution
A locking gimbal system comprising a first object pivotally connected to a support, a second object with a movable center of gravity, and a locking formation that automatically engages to prevent rotation when the objects are displaced, allowing free swinging for self-levelling and locking against external loads.
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 lock that changes state based on motion conditions. The locking formation moves between engaged and disengaged positions automatically in response to the relative motion between first and second objects, enabling the system to adapt between locked and unlocked states without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-locking and self-unlocking operations automatically based on detected motion conditions. The locking formation is actuated by displacement between the first and second objects, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining protection when needed and freedom of motion when safe.
2Ease of operation
If the gimballed object is allowed to swing freely for self-leveling, then the object can maintain level position, but the object becomes vulnerable to external forces causing dangerous displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is positioned and configured to engage automatically when external force displaces the object from its level position. The locking formation is arranged to contact the locking member upon relative displacement between first and second objects, preventing further dangerous motion before it can cause harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the relative position and motion between the first and second objects as feedback to control the locking state. When displacement occurs indicating external force application, the feedback mechanism actuates the locking formation into the engaged position, automatically responding to the harmful condition.
3Reliability
If an automatic locking mechanism is implemented to lock against external forces, then protection is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second object acts as a counterweight or balancing element that, when displaced by external force, triggers the locking mechanism. This simple mass-based trigger avoids complex sensors or actuators while providing reliable automatic locking response to harmful motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking formation serves as an intermediary element between the first gimballed object and the fixed support. This simple mechanical intermediary translates relative displacement directly into locking action, providing automatic protection through a single intermediate component rather than a complex control system.
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 maintains the gimballed object level by automatically locking in response to external forces, preventing injuries and oscillations, while allowing self-levelling to occur during normal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first object being biased towards an in rest position in which a support surface of the first object is substantially level... the first object being biased towards the in rest position under its own weight such that the first object acts as a first pendulum
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a locking gimbal (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a locking gimbal (10) for automatically locking a gimballed object against motion arising from an external force (FE) applied thereto; and automatically releasing the gimballed object on removal of the external force (FE). The locking gimbal (10) includes a first object (12) pivotable about a first pivot axis (PF), a second object (14) movable along an arc cantered substantially at a second axis, a locking member (16) and a locking formation (18). The first object (12) defines a first reference axis (ARF) passing through the first pivot axis (PF) and a center of gravity (CGF) of the first object (12), whereas the second object (14) defines a second reference axis (ARS) passing through the second axis and a center of gravity (CGS) of the second object (14). The first and second objects (12, 14) are movable relative to one other between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes (ARF, ARS) are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes (ARF, ARS) are angularly displaced relative to one other. The locking formation (18), actuated by displacement between the first and second objects (12,14) is radially movable relative to the first pivot axis (PF) between engaged and disengaged position, wherein: (i) in the first aligned condition, the locking formation (18) is in a disengaged position and spaced from the locking member (16), permitting rotation of the first object (12) about the first pivot axis (PF); and (ii) in the second displaced condition, the locking formation (18) is in an engaged position and in contact with the locking member (16) thereby preventing rotation of the first object (12) about the first pivot axis (PF).