Angular-Momentum-Compensating Servomechanism

Abstract

Servomechanism for rotating an instrumentation platform isolates supporting vehicle or stationary platform from reaction torques producedby rotations. Prevents aiming of instrument from disturbing vehicle or other instrument platforms. Rotating oppositely to instrument platform, reaction wheel, motor, and gear 1 have angular momentum equal and opposite to gear 2, output shaft, and platform. External torque reaction to rotation of platform canceled. Although spur gears appear in schematic diagram, gear train made of spline gears.