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How to design a TVC gimbal to prevent collisions

Kinematic Reference Volume

This will walk you through designing a kinematic reference volume that you can use to visualize and verify where the TVC mount will swing at its greatest extent. Knowing this can allow for better servo placement.

(Assumes you are using Fusion360, but applicable to other CAD programs)

  1. After designing your motor retainer tube take a side projection of its outline Side projection of the retainer view

  2. Rotate the projection from vertical by the maximum expected deflection (in this example 6.91 degrees) Rotated projection by the maximum deflection

  3. Use the vertical axis to split the projection, applying a revolve to both halves around the same vertical axis Left half of the projection revolved around the top axis

  4. Set a transparency, and, in the assembly environment, set reference geometry to disabled as for this to not interact with your other parts. Notional gimbal with ref geometry

Now get out there and design some fresh gimbals!