Camera Gimbal for Rover (3-Axis Mechanical Design)
Camera Gimbal for Rover (3-Axis Mechanical Design)
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Designed a 3-axis camera gimbal around pre-defined motors, PCB, and camera hardware for a university rover competition.
Context & Constraints
Context & Constraints
Designed for University Rover Challenge robotics platform
Required integration with given gimbal motors, PCB, and camera
Focused on mechanical packaging, mounting, and vibration isolation
Mechanical design focused independently of control tuning
Initial Concept
Initial Concept
Initial concepts were sketched to define the three-axis rotation order and mechanical layout.
Mechanical Architecture
Mechanical Architecture
Highlighted areas indicate motor mounting interfaces and PCB clearance zones.
Vibration Isolation Strategy
Vibration Isolation Strategy
Integrated spring-based vibration isolators to reduce vibrations transmitted to the camera.
Final Design Overview
Final Design Overview
3-axis architecture enabling independent yaw, pitch, and roll
Modular top plate for serviceable motor access
PCB and wiring routed next to camera module
Designed for sub-250g total mass
Designed to maintain camera stability under rover vibration while preserving compact packaging
Engineering Decisions & Tradeoffs
Engineering Decisions & Tradeoffs
Designed strictly around provided motors and PCB rather than resizing hardware
Prioritized mechanical simplicity over aggressive weight reduction
Accepted limited axis range in exchange for improved stiffness and reliability
Focused on manufacturability and assembly clarity over cosmetic complexity
Technical Snapshot
Technical Snapshot
Mass: < 250 g
Materials: 6061 aluminum + printed polymer components
Overall size: 110 × 90 × 90 mm
Tolerances: ±0.005 in for critical interfaces
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