Magnetic Soft Stops for Gimbal Shock Protection and Rotation Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical hard stops in camera systems can potentially damage the camera system due to contact forces during acceleration and shock, and impose limitations on imaging capabilities, especially when multiple cameras with different field of views are used.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic soft stop system is employed to limit gimbal rotation, using electromagnets or permanent magnets to control gimbal movement within a predetermined range, eliminating the need for mechanical hard stops and reducing shock loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical hard stops are used to limit gimbal rotation, then the gimbal rotation range is limited to prevent damage to cabling and structures, but contact forces during acceleration and shock can damage the camera system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of cabling and structuresVSAvoidcontact forces during acceleration and shock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical hard stops with magnetic soft stops that use magnetic fields to limit gimbal rotation. The magnetic field provides a contactless stopping force, eliminating mechanical contact and associated shock damage while still preventing excessive rotation that could damage cabling and structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the gimbal and the stopping mechanism. This magnetic field acts as a mediator that provides the stopping force without direct mechanical contact, thereby protecting the camera system from contact forces during acceleration and shock events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical hard stops are used to limit gimbal rotation, then the gimbal rotation is constrained to a fixed range, but this imposes limitations on imaging capability for multiple cameras with different field of views

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of camera systemVSAvoidimaging capability for different field of views

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the gimbal rotation limit dynamic by using controllable magnetic soft stops that can be adjusted based on the required field of view. The magnetic field strength and positioning can be modified to accommodate different camera configurations, allowing the system to adapt to multiple imaging scenarios while still providing protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic soft stop system serves multiple functions: it protects the camera system from damage while simultaneously allowing adaptation to different field of view requirements. The same magnetic mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate various camera configurations, making the system universal and versatile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If mechanical hard stops are used, then structural support is provided, but the contact between gimbal and hard stop can damage the camera system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural support for gimbalVSAvoidforces exerted on camera system by acceleration and shock

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hard stop structure with a magnetic field-based stopping mechanism. The magnetic field provides the necessary stopping force and structural support without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the harmful forces generated by contact during acceleration and shock while maintaining the required structural support for the gimbal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 magnetic soft stop system minimizes damage to sensor systems by absorbing shock and allows for full gimbal rotation range without mechanical interference, enhancing imaging capabilities and adaptability across different field of view configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic soft stop connected between the static structure and the gimbal to limit rotation of the gimbal relative to the static structure to within a predetermined range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic soft stop can include an electromagnet. The electromagnet can be fixed relative to the static structure. The electromagnet can be fixed relative to the gimbal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

The magnetic soft stop can include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can be fixed relative to the static structure. The permanent magnet can be fixed relative to the gimbal.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermanent magnet: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12516768B2Magnetic soft stops for gimbals

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A gimbal arrangement includes a static structure, a gimbal supported for rotation relative to the static structure, an actuator operably connected to the gimbal and configured to rotate the gimbal relative to the static structure, and a magnetic soft stop. The magnetic soft stop is connected between the static structure and the gimbal to limit rotation of the gimbal relative to the static structure to within a predetermined range. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.