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Gimbal

technology Maturity 9-11 Next article →

A gimbal is a tool that helps objects stay steady.

Gyroscope operation
Gyroscope operation

It uses rings that can spin around an axis. An axis is an imaginary line that something turns around. By using three rings, an object can stay level even if its base moves. This helps it stay independent from the movement of its support.

People have used gimbals for a very long time. A Greek inventor named Philo of Byzantium described an ink pot using gimbals. The rings kept the pot steady so the ink would not spill. In China, an engineer named Ding Huan made an incense burner with gimbals.

Kardanischer-Kompass
Kardanischer-Kompass

Later, gimbals helped keep ship compasses upright on rocking seas.

Today, we use gimbals for many things. They help cameras stay smooth during movies. Some gimbals use motors to stop shakes.

Other gimbals help drones take steady videos in the wind.

Gimbal 8jo WATANABEhachijo
Gimbal 8jo WATANABEhachijo

Even rocket engines use gimbals. They help steer the engine to move the spacecraft in the right direction.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Gyroscope operation.gif
Gyroscope operation.gif
File:Villard de Honnecourt - Sketchbook - 17.jpg
Villard de Honnecourt - Sketchbook - 17.jpg
File:Kardanischer-Kompass.jpg
Kardanischer-Kompass.jpg
File:Gimbal 3 axes rotation.gif
Gimbal 3 axes rotation.gif
File:Gimbal 8jo WATANABEhachijo.jpg
Gimbal 8jo WATANABEhachijo.jpg
File:Baker-Nunn camera 001.JPG
Baker-Nunn camera 001.JPG
File:NEWTON-S2-gimbal-RED-camera-Teradek lens-motors-and-Angeniuex-lens.jpg
NEWTON-S2-gimbal-RED-camera-Teradek...
File:Gimbal Lock Plane.gif
Gimbal Lock Plane.gif
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