Nested Dual-Gimbal Weapon Stabilization for Mobile Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stabilized weapon platforms on mobile military vehicles face challenges in maintaining accuracy due to the need for the operator to be physically separated from the weapon, which compromises safety when the vehicle lacks armor, and struggles with correcting for platform and target motion.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized weapon mount system with a base equipped with motion sensors, an aiming gimbal, and a stabilization gimbal, where the stabilization gimbal is nested within the aiming gimbal and moved by motors to correct for base movement, allowing the aiming gimbal to remain stationary and the operator to maintain control like with a standalone weapon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If motors are connected to the base platform to control weapon stabilization, then stabilization accuracy is improved, but the operator must be physically separated from the weapon which reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stabilization function into two independent parts: an outer aiming gimbal that the operator controls directly, and an inner stabilization gimbal that is motor-controlled. This segmentation allows the operator to remain close to the weapon while the stabilization function is handled separately by motors, resolving the contradiction between operator safety and stabilization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner stabilization gimbal acts as an intermediary between the motor control system and the weapon. The motors control the stabilization gimbal, which in turn stabilizes the weapon while allowing the operator to maintain direct control of the outer aiming gimbal. This intermediary structure enables both motorized stabilization and operator proximity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If motors control the aiming gimbal for stabilization, then platform motion correction is improved, but operator control and simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-gimbal structure segments the control functions: the outer aiming gimbal remains under direct operator control for intuitive weapon aiming, while the inner stabilization gimbal is dedicated to motor-controlled platform motion correction. This functional segmentation maintains operator control simplicity while achieving effective stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner stabilization gimbal serves itself by being motor-controlled to automatically compensate for platform motion without requiring direct operator intervention. The operator simply controls the outer gimbal as with a traditional weapon, while the stabilization system independently corrects for platform movements.
3Device complexity
If a single gimbal structure is used with motors, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to operate like a standalone weapon is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The nested dual-gimbal structure creates two independent rotational degrees of freedom: the outer aiming gimbal that the operator controls directly like a standalone weapon, and the inner stabilization gimbal that provides motorized stabilization. This segmentation preserves the simplicity of standalone weapon operation while adding stabilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner stabilization gimbal is nested within the outer aiming gimbal, creating a compact nested structure. The outer gimbal maintains its independence for direct operator control, while the inner gimbal provides additional stabilization functionality, achieving both structural efficiency and operational versatility.
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
Improves safety, accuracy, and simplicity by eliminating the need for motors between the platform and aiming gimbal, allowing the operator to aim freely while stabilizing, and enabling operation like a standard weapon even if motors fail, with enhanced target tracking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of axis motion sensors can detect motion in at least one of six degrees of freedom such as pitch, roll, yaw, x, y, or z
Implementation Method 2
The at least one motion sensor can include a plurality of axis motion sensors such as a gyroscope, an accelerometer or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
The aiming gimbal moveably mounted to the base having an operator interface, a first position sensor, and a second position sensor
Implementation Method 4
a control unit including a first motor and a second motor; The stabilization gimbal and aiming gimbal are mechanically coupled by the control unit such that the stabilization gimbal is moved by the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are stabilized weapon mount systems that allow a gunner (i.e. operator of a weapon) to mount and operate a standard weapon in a manner similar to a stand-alone weapon while compensating for the motion of the platform. The system includes an aiming gimbal that is movable by an operator during stabilization into an aiming orientation directed toward a target and a stabilization gimbal nested within the aiming gimbal and adapted to securely couple to a weapon. The stabilization gimbal and aiming gimbal are mechanically coupled by a control unit such that the stabilization gimbal is moved by the control unit and the aiming gimbal is not moved by the control unit. A stabilization device automatically commands the control unit to move the stabilization gimbal relative to the aiming gimbal using the motors to correct for the base movement and maintain the aiming orientation directed toward the target.