Radially actuated control moment gyroscope

Abstract

The present invention provides a control moment gyroscope that overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. The control moment gyroscope provides a radial actuator mechanism to provide rotation to an inner gimbal assembly around a gimbal axis. The radial actuator mechanism comprises a circular ring at the midpoint of the gimbal axis, the circular ring extending around the outer periphery of the inner gimbal assembly housing. The radial actuator mechanism rotates the inner gimbal assembly around the gimbal axis through the use of a non-contact motor that provides rotational force directly to the outer perimeter of the inner gimbal assembly. Because the inner gimbal assembly is rotated from the midpoint of the gimbal axis, a torque module assembly at the end of the gimbal axis is not required. Thus, the overall length of the control moment gyroscope can be reduced. Additionally, the cost and life limiting attributes of the torque module assembly can be eliminated, and the operational bandwidth of the gyroscope increased. Finally, because the inner gimbal assembly is rotated from the outer perimeter, the torque provided to the inner gimbal assembly is naturally increased by the leverage arm of the inner gimbal assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.