Movable Mechanical Hard Stops for Wider 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 a range defined by the sensor's field of view rather than fixed stops, thereby optimizing the field of regard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used to prevent gimbal rotation beyond the rotation range, then the gimbal is protected from shock and accelerations, but the field of regard is unnecessarily limited when multiple cameras with unequal fields of view are mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the stop member movable rather than fixed. The stop member can dynamically adjust its position between a retracted position (allowing maximum gimbal rotation for wide field of view cameras) and an extended position (limiting rotation to protect the gimbal). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its mechanical constraints based on operational needs, enabling both gimbal protection and optimal field of regard for different camera configurations.
2Reliability
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used to define the rotation range, then the gimbal rotation is limited to protect the system, but the amount of information acquired during imaging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable stop member enables dynamic adjustment of the rotation range, allowing the system to maximize the field of regard when gimbal protection is not the primary concern, thereby reducing information loss during imaging operations.
3Device complexity
If fixed mechanical hard stops are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the field of view is limited to less than what the camera(s) could otherwise provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static hard stop structure into a dynamic system with a movable stop member controlled by an actuator. This allows the stop member to be repositioned based on the specific camera configuration and imaging requirements, enabling the system to achieve the full field of view capability of the cameras while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stop member system serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective limiter during shock conditions, as a configurable constraint for different camera configurations, and as an enabler for maximizing field of view when needed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and field of view 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 enhanced imaging capabilities by dynamically adjusting the gimbal's rotation range according to sensor selection, maximizing the field of view and information acquisition without the limitations imposed by fixed stops.
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.