gimbal lock

gimbal lock

[′gim·bəl ‚läk] (engineering) A condition of a two-degree-of-freedom gyro wherein the alignment of the spin axis with an axis of freedom deprives the gyro of a degree-of-freedom and therefore its useful properties.

gimbal lock

Inner and outer gimbals are in the same plane.A situation in which two gimbals coincide in the same plane. This results in the restriction on the freedom of movement of a gyroscope, robbing it of its useful properties.