Spheroidal Camera Ball for Duct Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cameras for ducting inspection are not easily maneuverable, prone to getting caught on seams and corners, require long cables, and wireless cameras experience connection issues in metal ductwork and interference from electrical appliances.

Innovation Solution

A wireless camera ball with a spheroidal housing body featuring protrusions, a wireless transceiver, and an antenna for stable data transmission, allowing easy navigation through ducts and real-time video monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional wired cameras are used for ducting inspection, then image capture capability is provided, but the camera requires long cables and is not easily maneuverable

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidcable length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the camera from its conventional wired configuration and integrates it into a self-contained spherical housing with wireless communication capabilities. The camera module is removed from external cable dependencies and embedded within the ball housing, allowing autonomous operation without long cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless transmission system. Instead of using physical cables to transmit data and power, the invention employs wireless communication modules (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) to transmit inspection data, eliminating the need for long cables and improving maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional cameras are used for ducting inspection, then inspection capability is provided, but the camera gets caught on ducting seams and corners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation through ductsVSAvoidgetting caught on seams and corners

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spherical housing design for the camera module. The spherical shape allows the camera to smoothly navigate through ducting systems by rolling along the duct walls, preventing it from getting caught on seams, corners, and irregularities in the ductwork. The curved surface distributes contact forces evenly and enables effortless redirection around obstacles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If wireless cameras are used for ducting inspection, then cable complexity is reduced, but connection is lost in metal ductwork and interference occurs from electrical appliances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless operationVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a hybrid communication system. The spherical camera module employs multiple wireless communication protocols (such as both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, or combining Wi-Fi with Bluetooth) to maintain connection stability. The system can switch between frequencies and protocols to overcome interference from metal ductwork and electrical appliances, ensuring reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240397173A1Camera balls

Publication Date: 2024.11.28 GREENBERG EVAN S

AI summary

A camera ball can include a housing body defining at least one optical opening for a camera in a front side. The camera ball can include a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the housing body.