Counterbalancing apparatus for gimbal joints and/or a method for counterbalancing a load on a gimbal joint
US10837597B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16M2200/044
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a counterbalance apparatus, and a method for counterbalancing using an apparatus, having a center of motion that is internal or external to the apparatus. The apparatus and method are adapted to support a payload, having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector or gravity, that is positioned distal to the center of motion. The apparatus includes a gimbal adapted to support the payload and allow for its rotational movement about the center of motion generating a load torque therefrom, and a resilient member adapted to engage the gimbal and supply a support torque to counterbalance the load torque. The method includes a step of supporting the payload with a gimbal adapted to allow rotational movement of the payload about the center of motion to generate a load torque therefrom, and a step of configuring a resilient member to engage the gimbal and supply a support torque to counterbalance the load torque.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.