Movable Mechanical Hard Stops for Gimbal Field of Regard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical hard stops in sensor systems impose artificial constraints, limiting the field of regard and information acquisition, especially in systems with multiple cameras having unequal fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical hard stop system with a movable stop member and actuator, allowing dynamic adjustment based on sensor selection, enabling the gimbal to rotate within varying ranges defined by sensor-specific stop positions, rather than fixed limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used to prevent gimbal rotation beyond rotation range, then reliability is improved by preventing shock and acceleration damage, but adaptability deteriorates by limiting field of regard to less than what cameras could otherwise provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stop member movable rather than fixed. The stop member can be dynamically positioned along the gimbal's rotation path to match different camera fields of view. When a camera is selected, the stop member is positioned to allow rotation exactly to the boundaries of that camera's field of view, preventing over-rotation while maximizing the usable field of regard for that specific camera configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the position of the stop member based on which camera is selected. The stop member's position parameter is changed to correspond to the rotation limits of the active camera's field of view. This allows the system to adapt the mechanical constraints to match different operational parameters (different cameras with different fields of view) rather than using a single fixed constraint.
2Device complexity
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used to define movement range, then device complexity is reduced by using simple fixed structures, but loss of information increases by limiting the amount of information acquired during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is made dynamically adjustable rather than statically fixed. It can be repositioned along the gimbal's arc to accommodate different camera fields of view. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the mechanical constraints always match the active camera's operational boundaries, preventing any loss of imaging information while maintaining relatively simple hardware.
3Ease of operation
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used, then ease of operation is improved by having predetermined rotation limits, but adaptability deteriorates by not accommodating different sensor fields of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ease of operation by automatically adjusting the stop member position based on the selected camera, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration. The stop member dynamically adapts to each camera's field of view boundaries, providing predetermined rotation limits that are automatically optimized for the active sensor without requiring operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically positioning the stop member according to which camera is active. The control system monitors the selected camera and autonomously adjusts the stop member position to match that camera's field of view boundaries, without requiring manual input from the operator. This maintains ease of operation while achieving full adaptability.
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
This solution allows for optimized field of regard adjustment according to sensor selection, enhancing information acquisition without artificial constraints, thereby improving the imaging capabilities of sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can include a solenoid to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member can be connected between the base and the movable stop member. The biasing member can bias the movable stop member toward one of the disengaged position and the engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure, a movable stop member for engagement with a fixed stop member, and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.