US 20060071134 A1
A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.
1. A gimbal, comprising:
a frame portion;
a first protrusion extending from the frame portion;
a first joint located at the first protrusion and configured to permit an inner mount supporting a payload component to selectively rotate about a first axis passing through the first protrusion;
a second protrusion extending from the frame portion; and
a second joint located at the second protrusion and configured to permit the gimbal to selectively rotate about a second axis passing through the second protrusion,
wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion collectively define a recess at the periphery of the gimbal configured to accommodate at least a portion of the payload component.
2. The gimbal of
3. The gimbal of
4. The gimbal of
5. The gimbal of
6. The gimbal of
7. The gimbal of
8. The gimbal of
9. The gimbal of
10. The gimbal of
11. The gimbal of
12. A gimbal ball, comprising:
an inner mount configured to support a payload component;
an outer carriage including first and second protrusions collectively defining a recess at the periphery of the outer carriage configured to accommodate at least a portion of the payload component; and
a gimbal joint rotatably connecting the inner mount to the first protrusion of the outer carriage.
13. The gimbal ball of
14. The gimbal ball of
15. The gimbal ball of
16. The gimbal ball of
17. The gimbal ball of
18. A gimbal ball, comprising:
inner gimbal means for supporting a payload component;
outer gimbal means including space-saving means for accommodating the payload component; and
joint means for rotatably connecting the inner gimbal means to the outer gimbal means.
This application incorporates by reference in its entirety for all purposes U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed Oct. 1, 2004 (the same day as the present application), titled “GIMBAL SYSTEM,” and naming Tim Wescott, Greg Dent, and James Weaver as inventors.
Cameras, infrared sensors, compasses, weapons, and other devices can be mounted and used on a variety of supports. For example, moving vehicles, including various aircraft, watercraft, and ground vehicles, can provide versatile supports capable of transporting such devices. Many devices benefit from being easily and accurately pointed at a desired target. Gimbal systems can be used alone, or with gyroscopic stabilization, easily and accurately to point such devices without necessarily having to reorient the supports to which the devices are mounted.
Gimbal balls, as used herein, are any device-mounting mechanisms that include at least two different, typically mutually perpendicular, axes of rotation, thus providing angular movement in at least two directions. A gimbal ball can include one or more constituent gimbals, each of which can rotate relative to one or more other constituent gimbals and/or a supported payload. A gimbal ball also can include corresponding motors for rotating the various gimbals, control systems for controlling the various motors and/or payload components, gyroscopes for stabilizing the payload, as well as any other components used to aim and/or otherwise control the payload.
The present teachings disclose a gimbal system, including components and methods of use thereof. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.
A gimbal ball, as used herein, generally comprises any device-mounting mechanism that includes at least two different axes of rotation, thus providing angular movement in at least two directions. A gimbal ball can be configured to rotate a payload about any suitable or desired number of axes, including two axes, three axes, four axes, five axes, six axes, or even more than six axes. In some embodiments, the axes of rotation may be collinear or coplanar. In some embodiments, at least one axis may be located in a different plane than another axis. The axes of rotation generally are either perpendicular to one another or parallel to one another, although this is not required. Nonparallel axes allow a payload to be aimed two dimensionally, such as up and down as well as side to side. In some embodiments, parallel axes, or substantially parallel axes, can be used to provide increased precision, with a first level of rotation about a first axis providing coarser large-magnitude adjustments and a second level of rotation about a second axis parallel to the first axis providing finer small-magnitude adjustments.
A support, as used herein, generally comprises any mechanism for holding or bearing a gimbal ball. For example, a gimbal ball can be supported by a moving support, such as a helicopter, airplane, glider, dirigible, balloon, drone, boat, car, truck, motorcycle, missile, rocket, or virtually any other vehicle, among others. Alternatively, or in addition, a gimbal ball also can be supported by a stationary support, such as an observation platform or tower, among others. Typically, the support is selected to complement the function of the gimbal ball.
A gimbal ball and support may be connected, joined, or otherwise associated using any suitable mechanism, with any suitable orientation. For example, a gimbal ball may be bottom-mounted, side-mounted, top-mounted, front-mounted, rear-mounted, externally-mounted, internally-mounted, and so on. Moreover, such mounting may be static or dynamic, for example, in the latter case optionally involving additional gimbal(s).
A gimbal ball and/or support can be used for any suitable function. For example, a gimbal ball can be used to point a payload of one or more devices at a desired target or in a desired direction and/or to hold a payload in a substantially fixed orientation as the support to which the gimbal is mounted moves. Consistent with this flexibility, a gimbal ball can include one or more still cameras, motion cameras, visible cameras, infrared cameras, and/or compasses, among others.
Some payload components occupy a relatively large volume. For example, camera lenses can be fairly large when designed to provide magnification and/or work in low-light conditions. Such payload components, individually or collectively, can occupy all of the payload capacity that a gimbal ball provides. Therefore, it is desirable to design gimbal balls with increased payload capacity, so that larger and/or more payload components can be accommodated by a single gimbal ball.
Some payload components also can be relatively massive. As the mass of a payload increases, difficulties with moving and controlling the payload can arise. In particular, as explained below in more detail with reference to an illustrative embodiment, a gimbal ball can include two or more constituent gimbals configured to rotate relative to one another. Such rotation can be effected by a motor configured to apply a torque to one or more of the gimbals. Accordingly, motors that can provide improved (e.g., larger and/or more stable) torque can facilitate reliable aiming of the payload.
Some gimbal balls conform to industry standards that specify the external dimensions of the gimbal ball. For example, before approving a gimbal ball, some regulatory agencies may rigorously test the aerodynamics, weight, and/or other attributes of the design, to help ensure that the ball does not unduly affect the performance of the associated support (e.g., aircraft). In particular, the size, shape, weight, and/or other aspects of an outer expression of a gimbal ball may be tested. Therefore, it is desirable to design gimbal balls with profiles that previously have been approved and/or certified, thus obviating the need to undergo additional testing and/or certification. Furthermore, such gimbal ball designs may be off-the-shelf compatible with a variety of different supports that have been configured to work with an industry-standard design.
Although regulatory considerations may constrain the outer expression of a gimbal ball, and compatibility with various vehicles may constrain the connection interface between the gimbal ball and the support, once a particular design has been approved and/or certified, the inner workings of a design can be customized without affecting the exterior expression or interface compatibility. In particular, as described in detail below, a gimbal ball can be configured to enhance payload capacity and payload control without changing an outer expression of the gimbal ball.
The following examples further describe selected aspects and embodiments of the present teachings. These aspects and embodiments include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. These aspects and embodiments also include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis. These examples and the various features and aspects thereof are included for illustration and are not intended to define or limit the entire scope of the disclosure.
This example describes an exemplary gimbal ball and support system. Specifically,
This example describes an exemplary gimbal ball 20, including the location and interactions of various constituent gimbals; see
Gimbal ball 20 is provided as a nonlimiting example of a gimbal ball that can be used to point a payload of one or more devices at a desired target or in a desired direction and/or to hold a payload in a substantially fixed orientation, particularly as the support to which the gimbal is mounted moves. One or more gimbals of the ball, including all gimbals of the ball, can be modified while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, in some cases, one or more gimbals of the ball can be moved (translationally and/or reorientationally), fixed, or removed.
In the illustrated embodiment, minor-yaw gimbal 30 provides a stage, or inner-mount, to which one or more devices may be mounted. For example, a payload including one or more cameras or other instruments can be mounted to gimbal 30. Exemplary gimbal 30 is provided as a nonlimiting example of a mount to which payload components may be mounted. In some embodiments, such a gimbal may be configured differently so as to accommodate different payloads. As described below, the various other gimbals can cooperate with gimbal 30 so that the payload can be pointed and/or maintained in a desired direction. To this end, the gimbals can be configured to rotate relative to one another about two or more different axes. Gimbal 30 is not necessarily the only gimbal to which payload components can be mounted. In some embodiments, one or more payload components may be mounted on a subsequently described gimbal, or variant thereof.
The components of gimbal ball 20 can be used to establish various levels of rotation. For example, a first level of rotation can be established between gimbal 30 and gimbal 32. Gimbal 30 includes joints 50, and gimbal 32 includes complementary joints 52. Joints 50 and 52 can be configured complementarily for mutual engagement, so that gimbal 30 and gimbal 32 can rotate or pivot relative to one another about a yaw axis Y. Arrow 54 shows the rotational direction of gimbal 30 with reference to yaw axis Y. Such rotation may be referred to as yaw rotation and/or azimuthal rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, gimbal 30 is designed to provide minor (approximately ±4 degrees) rotation about the yaw axis; however, more generally, gimbal 30 may be used to provide any suitable or desired rotation (including a narrower or wider rotation range). Rotation of gimbal 30 can be used to make fine adjustments to the orientation of the payload, while larger adjustments and/or adjustments about a different axis can be made by subsequently described components of the gimbal assembly.
A second level of rotation can be established between gimbal 32 and gimbal 34. Minor-pitch gimbal 32, also referred to as an inner elevation yoke, includes joints 56, and gimbal 34 includes complementary joints 58. Joints 56 and 58 can be configured complementarily for mutual engagement, so that gimbal 32 and gimbal 34 can rotate or pivot relative to one another about a pitch axis P. Arrow 60 shows the rotational direction of gimbal 32 with reference to pitch axis P. Such rotation may be referred to as pitch rotation and/or elevational rotation. Such rotation is translated to gimbal 30 so that a payload mounted to gimbal 30 also rotates about the pitch axis. In the illustrated embodiment, pitch axis P is perpendicular to yaw axis Y by virtue of the relative positioning of joints 52 and 56. As shown in
A third level of rotation can be established between gimbal 34 and gimbal 36. Major-pitch gimbal 34 includes joints 62 and gimbal 36 includes complementary joints 64. Joints 62 and 64 can be complementarily configured for mutual engagement so that gimbal 34 and gimbal 36 can rotate relative to one another about pitch axis P′. In the illustrated embodiment, pitch axis P′ and pitch axis P are substantially equal (i.e., collinear). In other embodiments, for example, pitch axis P′ may be parallel to but offset from pitch axis P. Arrow 68 shows the rotational direction of gimbal 34 with reference to pitch axis P′. Such rotation is translated to gimbal 30, via gimbal 32, so that a payload mounted to gimbal 30 also rotates about the pitch axis. In the illustrated embodiment, gimbal 34 is designed to provide major (approximately 38 degrees up and 238 degrees down) rotation about the pitch axis; however, more generally, gimbal 34 may be used to provide any suitable or desired rotation (including a narrower or wider rotation range, in one or both directions). Rotation of gimbal 34 can be used to make course adjustments to the orientation of the payload, while more precise adjustments can be made by rotation of gimbal 32 within gimbal 34.
A fourth level of rotation can be established between gimbal 36 and a support to which the gimbal is coupled, such as a helicopter or other vehicle. Major-yaw gimbal 36 includes a joint 66 configured to rotatably mount to a suitable support. Joint 66 can mount directly to a support or mount indirectly to a support via some intermediate structure. Arrow 69 shows the rotational direction of gimbal 36 with reference to a yaw axis Y′. Yaw axis Y′ may be skewed relative to yaw axis Y due to rotation of one or more gimbals about a pitch axis. Rotation of gimbal 36 at joint 66 is translated to gimbal 30, via gimbals 32 and 34, so that a payload mounted to gimbal 30 also rotates about yaw axis Y′. In the illustrated embodiment, gimbal 36 is designed to provide major (continuous 360 degree) rotation about yaw axis Y′; however, more generally, gimbal 36 may be used to provide any suitable or desired rotation (including a narrower rotation range).
The above-described gimbal ball is provided as a nonlimiting example, and other gimbal balls are within in the scope of this disclosure. In particular, gimbal balls with more or fewer constituent gimbals, axes, levels of rotation, etc. can be used, establishing more or fewer levels of rotation. Furthermore, each above-described gimbal is provided as a nonlimiting example. Some gimbal balls may not include a gimbal corresponding to one of the above-described gimbals, some gimbal assemblies may include additional gimbals not described above, and some gimbal assemblies may include modifications of the above-described gimbals.
This example describes exemplary space-saving gimbals, which may be configured to accommodate increased payload capacity and/or to provide a larger payload aperture, as mentioned above; see
One or more of a variety of different space-saving features may be used to improve payload capacity and/or to provide a larger payload aperture. For example, a gimbal sidewall may include one or more holes or slots through which a payload may at least partially extend. In some embodiments, a gimbal sidewall can include a convexity that effectively increases a volume internal the gimbal sidewall. In some embodiments, a gimbal sidewall may include an open recess through which a payload may at least partially extend. Such exemplary space-saving features, or virtually any other feature that provides increased payload capacity and/or provides a larger payload aperture, can be incorporated individually or collectively into a particular gimbal design.
The useable space that recesses 82, and/or other space-saving features, provide can be appreciated by comparing gimbal 32 of
Recesses 82 of gimbal 32 are provided as a nonlimiting example of a space-saving feature. More generally, gimbals may be designed with recesses having different shapes and sizes, on a recess-by-recess basis. Furthermore, space-saving features other than recesses, such as holes, slots, convexities, etc., can be used instead of, or in addition to, recesses. In the illustrated embodiment, recesses 82 extend rearward from imaginary plane 110 by at least 50% of the depth of gimbal 32. Other embodiments may have deeper or shallower recesses. In general, space-saving features can be sized to achieve a desired balance of payload capacity and structural integrity of the gimbal. In some embodiments, a recess of approximately 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% may be suitable for accommodating smaller payload components. In other embodiments, a recess of approximately 60%, 70%, 80%, or more may be suitable for accommodating larger payload components. Other space-saving features can be designed to accommodate payload components at different locations of a gimbal. For example, payload components that occupy substantial rearward space can be accommodated by holes near the rear of the gimbal. High-strength materials may be used to form or support a gimbal that includes relatively large recesses or other space-saving features.
This example describes exemplary mechanisms for driving a gimbal ball, or portions thereof; see
A motor can be configured to effect motion about a single axis, and two or more motors can be configured cooperatively to effect motion about two different axes, such as about perpendicular axes. When two or more motors are used, one motor can be used to control pitch (rotation of one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a pitch axis), and another motor can be used to control yaw (rotation of one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a yaw axis). In some embodiments, a single motor can be configured to effect motion about two different axes.
The size and disposition of motors used in the gimbal assembly may be selected to increase payload size and driving efficacy. Relatively small motors and/or motors that can be placed at or near the periphery of a gimbal assembly can improve useable payload capacity compared to larger motors and/or motors that are located closer to the center of a gimbal assembly where payload components are typically arranged. Furthermore, because torque is proportional to lever arm (torque (T)=lever arm (r)×force (F)), a motor can generate relatively more torque as the distance between where the motor applies force and the axis about which the motor causes rotation increases. In other words, the farther the motor acts from an axis of rotation, the less force the motor will have to generate to rotate one gimbal relative to another about that axis.
The driver(s) used in gimbal balls, as described herein, generally comprise any mechanism for effecting a suitable or desired force (and/or torque). Exemplary drivers may include linear motors, rotary motors, stepper motors, servo motors, brushed motors, brushless motors, DC motors, AC motors, limited angle motors, and so on. These motors may be mixed or matched as desired or appropriate. A nonlimiting example of a linear motor is a linear electric motor, which utilizes magnetic forces to effect movement between a rotor and a stator. A linear electric motor is essentially an electric motor that has been “unrolled” so that instead of producing a torque, it produces a linear force by setting up an electromagnetic field. Linear motors can be induction motors or stepper motors, among others. In the illustrated embodiment, stator 144 includes a magnet, and rotor 146 includes a coil through which an electric current can be directed, thus generating a magnetic field. The current can be controlled so as to generate a desired magnetic field, thus controlling the linear forces between the stator and the rotor.
In the illustrated embodiment, two motors are used to control fine adjustments. Motor 142 controls fine elevational adjustments, while motor 150 controls fine azimuthal adjustments. Both motors include a component mounted to an outer layer of the gimbal ball, namely gimbal 34 via shell 140 and/or associated mounting structure. The shell extends to the far periphery of the gimbal ball. Both motors also include corresponding components mounted to an inner layer of the gimbal ball, namely gimbal 30. In some embodiments, motor components can be mounted to gimbal 30 via a mounting structure. One or more gimbals can be operatively interposed between the gimbals that support the motor components. For example, in
Motor 142 is positioned proximate motor 150, as shown. Positioning the motors near each other obviates the need to design or maintain two separate locations for distally spaced motors. Adjacent motors can facilitate a greater overall payload capacity than distally spaced motors. Moreover, such proximate positioning also can allow power and control wires to be run alongside one another and otherwise simplify assembly and/or maintenance.
The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether directed to a different invention or to the same invention, and whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.