Offset cardan gimbal

摘要

An apparatus for the control and alignment of a sensor on a moving vehicle is provided that includes a gimbal ball supported by an outer axis structure and adapted to pivot about an outer elevation axis and about an outer azimuth axis. The outer axis structure is mounted to a vehicle. A cardan assembly is provided in the ball that includes a cardan shaft with an inner elevation axis passing through the cardan shaft. The inner elevation axis is in parallel alignment with respect to the outer elevation axis and includes an offset that raises the inner elevation axis above the outer elevation axis by a predetermined amount to provide for a greater payload volume and improved optical performance. If desired the cardan assembly includes an inner azimuth axis that is offset with respect to the outer azimuth axis.