Ball-and-socket joints are used to connect two rotating inputs to orthogonally pivoted outputs. This provides an accurate biaxial gimbal which will operate in continuous motion without backlash

Rouze, E. R.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

July 1965
	 Brief 65-10205 
NASA TECH BRIEF
 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued by the Technology Utilization Division to summarize specific 
technical innovations derived from the space program. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical information, Springfield, Virginia, 22151. 
Ball-and-Socket Joints Provide Accurate Biaxial Gimbal 
The problem: To provide an accurate two-axis 
mechanism that will accurately position system ele-
ments such as mirrors, sensors, lenses, energy beams, 
etc. The mechanism must be capable of continuous 
motion without backlash so that exact repeatability is 
possible. 
The solution: A mechanism that uses two rotating 
inputs coupled through a ball-and-socket linkage to an 
orthogonally pivoted output. 
How it's done: The rotary inputs are connected to 
their respective output axes by adjustable links fitted 
with ball-and-socket joints at the ends. Members of 
the output are mounted to rotate in orthogonal planes, 
thus providing two degrees of freedom. As each input 
is rotated, the ball-and-socket linkage moves to rotate 
the output about that particular axis. The ball-and-
socket joints prevent backlash, thus providing accu-
rate positioning of the output. 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
Notes: 
1. Inputs may be by closed loop servomechanisms, 
synchromotors, stepper motors, or any other pro-
gramed rotary mechanical device. 
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
4800 Oak Grove Drive 
Pasadena, California, 91103 
Reference: B65-10205 
Patent status: NASA encourages the immediate 
commercial use of this invention. Inquiries about ob-
taining rights for its commercial use may be made to 
NASA, Code AGP, Washington, D.C., 20546. 
Source: Eugene R. Rouze
(J PL-658)
Category No. 05 
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
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Ball and socket joints provide accurate biaxial gimbal

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