Optical Gimbal Pivot Assembly 360 Azimuth Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard optical gimbals mounted on aircraft have limited field of regard due to look-down capability and are obstructed by features like window frames, which restricts their sensing capability and requires multiple sensors for adequate coverage.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal assembly with a pivot assembly that rotates 360 degrees about a first axis and 45 degrees about a second axis, allowing for a 90-degree unobstructed field of regard, and is scalable to fit smaller aircraft platforms, with the ability to pivot beyond 45 degrees by moving within the enclosure and tilt to avoid gimbal lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard optical gimbal is mounted on aircraft with look down capability, then the gimbal can sense objects below the aircraft, but the field of regard is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third rotational dimension to the traditional two-axis gimbal system. The pivot assembly can rotate about a first axis (azimuth), a second axis (elevation), and a third axis (additional rotation within the enclosure). This third dimension of motion expands the field of regard from a limited conical view to a much broader 90-degree unobstructed field, allowing the single sensor to cover areas that would otherwise require multiple sensors.
2Device complexity
If standard optical gimbal is used, then the structure is simple, but obscurations from window frames limit sensing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic motion through the pivot assembly's ability to rotate about multiple axes and change its orientation within the enclosure. The pivot assembly can dynamically adjust its position and rotation angles to move the sensor's line of sight away from fixed obstructions like window frames. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to maintain sensing capability despite the simple enclosed structure with potential obstructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to achieve adequate coverage, then the field of regard is improved, but the vehicle volume utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single sensor perform the function of multiple sensors by enabling it to rotate and pivot in multiple directions within the enclosure. The pivot assembly's multi-axis rotation capability allows one sensor to scan and cover a 90-degree unobstructed field of regard, eliminating the need to house multiple sensors in the aircraft. This multi-functional approach to a single sensor significantly improves vehicle volume utilization while maintaining adequate coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pivot assembly rotates beyond 45 degrees about second axis, then the field of regard is greater than 90 degrees, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation function into separate modular components: a first axis rotation mechanism for azimuth, a second axis rotation mechanism for elevation, and a third axis rotation mechanism for additional movement within the enclosure. Each rotational axis is implemented as a separate pivot assembly component that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex multi-axis rotation and expand the field of regard beyond 90 degrees while keeping each individual rotational mechanism relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, a gimbal assembly (100) includes an enclosure (110), a window (130), and a pivot assembly (150). The enclosure (110) is centered on a first axis (160) and the window (130) is coupled to the enclosure (110). The pivot assembly (150) is coupled to an interior portion of the enclosure (110) and configured to pivot within the enclosure (110) about a second axis (170), the second axis (170) being perpendicular to the first axis (160). The pivot assembly (150) includes a base portion (152), a mirror (154) coupled at an angle to the base portion (152) and configured to reflect light (125) received through the window (130), and a sensor (158) configured to receive the light (125) reflected by the mirror (154). The pivot assembly (150) is further configured to move within the enclosure (110) in a direction that is perpendicular to the first axis (160) and rotate about the first axis (160).