Bearing mount and preload assembly

An assembly, comprising:

• a first structure including a first bearing mount portion and a second bearing mount portion spaced apart from the first bearing mount portion, the first structure having a first predetermined stiffness;
• a first bearing assembly mounted on the first bearing mount portion;
• a second bearing assembly mounted on the second bearing mount portion;
• and
• a second structure mounted on and interconnecting the first and second bearing assemblies, whereby relative motion between the first and second structures is allowed along a first rotational axis, the second structure having a second predetermined stiffness that is less than the first predetermined stiffness to thereby distort at least when a force is supplied thereto,
• wherein the second structure, via its distortion, imparts preload forces on the first and second bearing assemblies.

A gimbal mounting assembly, comprising:

• a inner gimbal ring including a first bearing mount portion and a second bearing mount portion spaced apart from the first bearing mount portion, the inner gimbal ring having a first predetermined stiffness;
• a shaft including a first end and a second end, and having a second predetermined stiffness;
• a first bearing assembly mounted on the first bearing mount portion;
• a second bearing assembly mounted on the second bearing mount portion;
• a third bearing assembly mounted on the shaft at least adjacent to the first end;
• a fourth bearing assembly mounted on the shaft at least adjacent to the second end;
• and
• an outer gimbal ring mounted on and interconnecting the first, second, third, and fourth bearing assemblies, whereby relative motion between the inner and outer gimbal rings is allowed along a first rotational axis, and whereby relative motion between the shaft and outer gimbal ring is allowed along a second rotational axis that is perpendicular to the first rotational axis,
• wherein:
• the outer gimbal ring has a third predetermined stiffness that is less than the first predetermined stiffness and the second predetermined stiffness to thereby distort at least when a force is supplied thereto along the first and second rotational axes, and
• the outer gimbal ring, via its distortion, imparts equal magnitude first and second preload forces on the first and second bearing assemblies, respectively, and imparts equal magnitude third and fourth preload forces on the third and fourth bearing assemblies, respectively.