Passive orientation apparatus

An apparatus that can return a payload to a known orientation after unknown motion, without requiring external power or complex mechanical systems. The apparatus comprises a faceted cage that causes the system to rest in a stable position and orientation after arbitrary motion. A gimbal is mounted w...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors MARTINEZ MICHAEL A, FISCHER GARY J, SPLETZER BARRY L
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 11.09.2001
Edition7
Subjects
LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
MOTOR VEHICLES
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
TRAILERS
TRANSPORTING
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Summary:An apparatus that can return a payload to a known orientation after unknown motion, without requiring external power or complex mechanical systems. The apparatus comprises a faceted cage that causes the system to rest in a stable position and orientation after arbitrary motion. A gimbal is mounted with the faceted cage and holds the payload, allowing the payload to move relative to the stable faceted cage. The payload is thereby placed in a known orientation by the interaction of gravity with the geometry of the faceted cage, the mass of the system, and the motion of the payload and gimbal. No additional energy, control, or mechanical actuation is required. The apparatus is suitable for use in applications requiring positioning of a payload to a known orientation after arbitrary or uncontrolled motion, including remote sensing and mobile robot applications.
Bibliography:Application Number: US19990306676