Nested Gimbal Assembly With Concentric Sealing and Bearing Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
As gimbal systems become more complex and smaller in size, there is a need to reduce the space required to secure the gimbal or gimbal assembly to the housing or base component, while maintaining rotational freedom and sealing integrity.
Innovation Solution
The gimbal system employs a nested arrangement with a base, yoke, and gimbal assembly, utilizing a motor, bearing, and ferrofluid seal to rotate the yoke relative to the base, and a labyrinth seal to maintain fluidic sealing, allowing for compact design and increased stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional sealing and bearing arrangements are used in gimbal systems, then rotational freedom is maintained, but the space required to secure the gimbal assembly to the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the motor is positioned within the bearing, and the ferrofluid seal is positioned within the bearing, creating a compact concentric configuration. This nesting of components significantly reduces the radial space required while maintaining all necessary functions of motor actuation, bearing support, and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated component arrangements. The bearing structure serves as both a support element and a housing for the motor and ferrofluid seal. The ferrofluid seal integrates magnetic sealing with the bearing assembly, eliminating the need for separate seal housings and reducing overall complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If gimbal systems are made smaller in size, then compactness is achieved, but the space for securing components to the housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional side-by-side or stacked arrangement of components to a concentric, multi-dimensional nesting configuration. By utilizing radial and axial dimensions simultaneously in a concentric pattern, the system achieves compactness without sacrificing component accommodation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric nesting of the motor within the bearing and the ferrofluid seal within the bearing allows all components to occupy overlapping radial spaces, dramatically reducing the overall footprint and housing space requirements while maintaining full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components such as ECUs, PCBs, sensors, and wiring are added to increase system complexity, then functionality is improved, but the space required in the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational support, houses the motor, contains the ferrofluid seal, and creates space for additional components like ECUs, PCBs, and sensors. This multi-functionality allows the housing space to be utilized more efficiently, accommodating increased system complexity without proportionally increasing overall volume.
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 configuration reduces the space required for securing the gimbal assembly, increases the system's stiffness, and allows for efficient rotation and sealing, accommodating additional components within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
a ferrofluid seal positioned between the yoke and the base
Implementation Method 2
a bearing seated within the base and permitting rotation of the yoke relative to the base about the rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for nested gimbal assemblies. A gimbal system may include a base, a yoke, and a gimbal assembly rotatably connecting the yoke to the base. The gimbal assembly may include a motor, a bearing, and a ferrofluid seal. The motor may be configured to rotate the yoke relative to the base about a rotational axis. The bearing may be seated within the base and permit rotation of the yoke relative to the base about the rotational axis. The ferrofluid seal may be positioned to seal an interface between the yoke and the base. The motor may be positioned within an inner diameter of the bearing. The bearing may be positioned within an inner diameter of the ferrofluid seal.