Electromechanical System Configurations For Pointing, Tracking, And Stabilization Applications

Michael K. Masten; J. M. Hilkert

doi:10.1117/12.940482

6 October 1987 Electromechanical System Configurations For Pointing, Tracking, And Stabilization Applications

Michael K. Masten, J. M. Hilkert

Proceedings Volume 0779, Electromechanical System Interaction with Optical Design; (1987) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940482
Event: 1987 Technical Symposium Southeast on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1987, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

A line-of-sight (LOS) stabilized platform is an electromechanical subsystem designed to isolate a "payload" from its environment and point the load in a given direction as it operates in its environment. There are numerous mechanical configurations which may be chosen for design of the stabilization system. Mass Stabilization refers to the class of designs in which the entire payload is supported by a gimbal assembly with as low as practical friction in the gimbal bearings; this approach exploits the inherent tendency for a mass to retain its orientation in inertial space. The control loop is then designed to attenuate the effect of inadvertent torque disturbances due to friction, unbalance and/or other disruptions. Mirror Stabilization refers to the class of designs in which a mirror (or optical element which can alter the LOS) is controlled to achieve steady LOS orientation. The mirror arrangement has an inherent two-to-one optical doubling effect which must be accounted for in the design. Other mechanical configurations also are possible; indeed practical designs may use a combination of several. This paper describes the following approaches to the stabilization and tracking tasks: mass stabilization, mirror stabilization, gear-driven gimbals, and momentum wheels. Block diagrams are given for each approach which are then used to discuss the advantages and limitations of each.

Citation Download Citation

Michael K. Masten and J. M. Hilkert "Electromechanical System Configurations For Pointing, Tracking, And Stabilization Applications", Proc. SPIE 0779, Electromechanical System Interaction with Optical Design, (6 October 1987); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.940482

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