Spherical Isolation Joint with Integral Angle Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Imaging and sensing devices on moving systems face instability due to external movements, leading to blurry images and inaccurate sensing results, as existing stabilization joints like flex pivots and nested cardan joints are either complex, prone to fatigue, or bulky with reduced translational stiffness.

Innovation Solution

A spherical isolation joint with an integral angle measurement system, comprising a suspension interface yoke, payload support member, and a spherical bearing that allows three degrees of rotational freedom while being fixed in translation, along with an integrated position sensing system to provide feedback for stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If flex pivots are used for stabilization, then the device can be compact with three degrees of rotational freedom, but the travel is limited (1 to 2.5 degrees) and the structure is complex with many small parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint sizeVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple stabilization functions into a single spherical bearing structure that provides three degrees of rotational freedom without requiring multiple separate components. The spherical bearing integrates the pivot functionality that would otherwise require complex nested structures, thereby reducing part count while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If flex pivots are used for stabilization, then the device can be compact, but they are susceptible to fatigue and shock failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint sizeVSAvoidresistance to fatigue and shock

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flexible pivot mechanism with a spherical bearing system that uses rolling element contact instead of flexural deformation. This substitution eliminates the fatigue issues inherent in flex pivots while maintaining the compact form factor, as the bearing structure provides robust support against shock loads and repetitive motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If nested cardan joints are used for stabilization, then extended travel is provided, but the structure is bulky and translational stiffness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational travel rangeVSAvoidjoint size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spherical bearing geometry that allows extended rotational travel in multiple directions without requiring the nested cardan joint structure. The spherical configuration naturally accommodates large angular movements while maintaining a compact footprint, eliminating the need for bulky nested mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Adaptability or versatility

If nested cardan joints are used for stabilization, then extended travel is provided, but compounding radial play occurs in the multiple bearing sets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational travel rangeVSAvoidradial play accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple bearing sets into a single spherical bearing assembly, thereby eliminating the compounding radial play that occurs when multiple bearing stages are nested together. The unified bearing structure ensures consistent radial clearance throughout the entire travel range, improving measurement precision while maintaining extended travel capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides a robust, compact, and durable stabilization mechanism that minimizes the impact of external movements, enabling stable imagery and sensing by allowing extensive rotational travel while maintaining translational stiffness and reducing bearing friction.

Implementation Method 1

The spherical bearing comprises an inner race secured to one of the suspension interface yoke and the payload support member and an outer race secured to the other of the suspension interface yoke and the payload support member. The inner race is rotatable relative to the outer race about three orthogonal rotational axes and fixed in translation relative to the three orthogonal translational axes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpherical bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

The integral angle measurement system comprises a plurality of position sensors configured to measure a change in position between the suspension interface yoke and the payload support member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11319985B2Isolation joint with spherical bearing and integral angle measurement

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An isolation joint with an integral angle measurement system. The isolation joint includes a suspension interface yoke, a payload support member, a spherical bearing, and an integral angle measurement system. The suspension interface yoke includes a suspension interface configured to couple the suspension interface yoke to one or more suspension bars. The payload support member includes a payload interface configured to couple a payload to the payload support member. The spherical bearing includes an inner race secured to one of the suspension interface yoke and the payload support member and an outer race secured to the other of the suspension interface yoke and the payload support member. The integral angle measurement system includes a plurality of position sensors configured to measure a change in position between the suspension interface yoke and the payload support member.