Abstract: A rotary locking joint that has zero backlash is provided to secure a camera mast mounted on a vehicle in a deployed position. The joint is passive to lock while being easily releasable. The joint prevents rotation of the mast in one direction, with a hard stop element that prevents further rotation of the mast in the opposite direction. The locking joint includes a pawl member configured to rotate about a pawl rotation axis. The pawl member is maintained in place in the locked position via a torsion spring to ensure contact with a base portion of the mast. To release the joint, the pawl member is rotated in the opposite direction to remove a geometry interference condition. A sensor is arranged to detect whether the pawl member is in an unlocked position relative to the mast.

Abstract: A rotary locking joint that has zero backlash is provided to secure a camera mast mounted on a vehicle in a deployed position. The joint is passive to lock while being easily releasable. The joint prevents rotation of the mast in one direction, with a hard stop element that prevents further rotation of the mast in the opposite direction. The locking joint includes a pawl member configured to rotate about a pawl rotation axis. The pawl member is maintained in place in the locked position via a torsion spring to ensure contact with a base portion of the mast. To release the joint, the pawl member is rotated in the opposite direction to remove a geometry interference condition. A sensor is arranged to detect whether the pawl member is in an unlocked position relative to the mast.