Slotted Entry Gimbal Assembly for Narrower Aircraft Fairings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gimbals require additional width for installation, leading to increased weight, cost, and drag on aircraft due to unnecessary width in the outer ring, which also affects the fairing and load path, causing high speed drag and bending stress.
Innovation Solution
A slotted entry gimbal design where the inner ring is inserted directly into the outer ring via diametrically opposed openings, reducing the need for extra width and allowing a better load path, enabling smaller and lighter parts with improved aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional gimbal installation method is used (rotating inner ring 90 degrees), then the gimbal can be assembled, but additional width is required that increases weight and drag
Solution Approach 1:
The outer ring is segmented with slotted entry openings that allow the inner ring to be inserted in stages. The slots are positioned at opposite sides of the outer ring, enabling the inner ring to be guided through one slot while maintaining alignment, then secured through the opposite slot without requiring 90-degree rotation and additional width clearance.
2Ease of operation
If traditional gimbal installation method is used, then assembly is possible, but the fairing must be wider causing high speed drag
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted entry openings divide the entry path into manageable segments along the width of the outer ring. This segmentation allows the inner ring to be installed through a narrow path without requiring the fairing to be widened, thereby eliminating the aerodynamic drag penalty while maintaining ease of installation.
3Ease of operation
If additional width is provided for installation, then assembly is easier, but the load path is compromised causing bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted entry openings are positioned strategically at opposite sides of the outer ring, creating a segmented entry path that maintains structural integrity. The slots allow insertion without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the outer ring, enabling easy assembly while preserving optimal load paths and minimizing bending stress.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a slotted entry gimbal including an inner ring with a first side and a second side. The inner ring includes a first pin extending from the first side of the inner ring and a second pin extending from the second side of the inner ring. The slotted entry gimbal also includes an outer ring including a first side and a second side. The outer ring includes a first opening on the first side configured to receive the first pin and a second opening on the second side configured to receive the second pin. The outer ring includes a first slotted entry opening on the first side extending from a first edge of the outer ring to the first opening, and the outer ring includes a second slotted entry opening on the second side extending from a second edge of the outer ring to the second opening.