Two degree-of-freedom spherical orienting device
US5966991A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2036
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a simple rugged two degree-of-freedom spherical orienting device applicable to point payloads such as cameras, mirrors, lasers, antennas and the like. A spherical five-bar mechanism with payload support is actuated by two rotary actuators fixed in position to a base. Advantages of the device include: the preserving of image horizon for cameras (in contrast to three degree-of-freedom devices); the ability to position the payload at the geometric center of rotation thereby reducing inertia; high stiffness enabling orientation of large loads and use of high angular velocities and accelerations; simplification of inverse kinematic computation; relatively large outward workspace (approximating a hemisphere) and large internal free space for payload orienting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.