Differential Tilt + Roll Unit Ended

The task is to design a compact and lightweight mechanical joint
that allows tilting and rotating a camera
(or a similar optical device).

The joint is used for precise and repeatable orientation of the camera
as part of a larger mechanical system.

General Parameters
• Camera mass: typically 1.5–2.0 kg, with margin up to 3.0 kg
• Center of mass offset: up to 100–150 mm from the joint axis
• Camera dimensions may vary slightly between configurations

Motion Requirements
• Two degrees of freedom: tilt and roll
• Tilt range: up to 180°
• Roll range: up to 180°
• Tilt speed: approximately 90° in ~2 seconds

Actuation & Mechanics
• Planned use of two standard RC servo motors
• Target torque range: 25–30 kg·cm
• Specific servo models to be proposed by the contractor
• Differential drive kinematics are preferred,
but alternative solutions are acceptable if properly justified
• Preference for standard off-the-shelf components
(gears, shafts, bearings), avoiding monolithic CNC-machined differential blocks.

Load-Bearing Structure
• The task includes designing the load-bearing structure
(plate / beam / frame — at the contractor’s discretion)
• The structure must:
• Support the servos
• Integrate mechanical transmission elements
• Provide routing for cables
• The contractor must propose:
• Structural concept
• Material
• Wall / plate thickness
• The structure must be sufficiently stiff
to avoid loss of accuracy due to elastic deformation
• Minimizing mass and moment of inertia is a key priority,
as the joint itself is a rotating part of the system

Camera Mounting
• Universal top mounting plate or flange
• Presence of threaded holes or an interface
allowing future installation of interchangeable adapters

Cabling
• One power/control cable per servo
• Typical wire cross-section: 0.2–0.5 mm²
• Cable routing must be clean, safe, and mechanically protected
• Camera cables are out of scope

Engineering Analysis
• Load calculations are expected, taking into account:
• Camera mass
• Center of mass offset
• Dynamic loads during acceleration and deceleration must be considered
• The joint is part of a moving system
and may change orientation in space, which should be reflected in calculations
• Simplified analytical calculations or basic simulations
(FEA or equivalent) are acceptable, at the contractor’s discretion
• Shock loads, transportation, and crash scenarios do not need to be considered

Deliverables
CAD model of the joint:
• Full assembly
• Individual parts
• Exploded view
• BOM with real off-the-shelf components
Optional but preferred:
• Brief engineering rationale
• List of standard components used read less