Gimbal

Gyroscope operation

Villard de Honnecourt - Sketchbook - 17

Kardanischer-Kompass

Gimbal 3 axes rotation

Baker-Nunn camera 001

Gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. A set of three gimbals, one mounted on the other with orthogonal pivot axes, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain independent of the rotation of its support. For example, on a ship, the ship's compass would be mounted on gimbals to keep it level while the ship pitched and rolled. The term "gimbal" originated from the Latin gimbalus, which itself is derived from the Greek γύμβαλον (gymbalon), meaning "ring" or "circle".

History

The gimbal was first described by the inventor Philo of Byzantium (280–220 BC) in his work on pneumatics. Throughout history, gimbals have been used in various devices, especially in maritime navigation to support compasses and the marine chronometer, allowing them to function accurately regardless of the motion of the ship.

Design and Function

A gimbal system consists of two or three rings, called gimbals, mounted on axes at right angles to each other. The outer gimbal (or ring) is fixed to a pedestal, while the inner gimbal(s) has/have the object mounted so that it remains in the same orientation regardless of any movement of its support. In a three-axis gimbal, the innermost ring, which holds the object, is able to rotate on three axes: pitch, yaw, and roll.

Applications

Gimbals have a wide range of applications in both the consumer and professional sectors. They are extensively used in:

• Photography and Videography: To stabilize cameras, allowing for smooth, cinematic shots even when moving.
• Aerospace: In spacecraft and satellites, gimbals are used to orient thrusters and antennas.
• Maritime Navigation: Historically used to keep compasses and chronometers operational regardless of ship movement.
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): To track and adjust the orientation of devices.
• Drones: To stabilize cameras and sensors for aerial photography, surveying, and inspections.

Modern Developments

With advancements in technology, electronic gimbals have become popular, especially in photography and videography. These devices use motors and gyroscopic sensors to stabilize the camera. Unlike traditional mechanical gimbals, electronic gimbals can actively correct for unwanted movement, resulting in exceptionally smooth video footage even in challenging conditions.

See Also

• Inertial navigation system
• Stabilizer (aeronautics)
• Gyroscope