Surveillance Camera Case Insulating Duct for Panel Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance video camera cases face challenges in effectively heating the transparent panel to prevent moisture condensation in cold environments, leading to reduced functionality due to inefficient heat distribution and limited power supply for heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A case design featuring a heat-insulating duct for air flow directed towards the transparent panel, with heating elements placed to maximize heat retention and conduction to a metal plate in contact with the video camera, allowing efficient heating without increasing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating elements are housed near the electronic board to heat the transparent panel, then the panel heating function is achieved, but the electronic board is undesirably heated and heat is lost through metal wall conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic air channel as an intermediary medium to transport heated air from the heating elements to the transparent panel. This plastic channel acts as a thermal insulator, preventing direct heat conduction to the metal case walls while directing warm air flow to the panel, thereby reducing heat loss and avoiding overheating of the electronic board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses forced air convection through a fan to create a controlled air flow system. The fan draws air through the heating elements and pushes the heated air through the plastic channel to the transparent panel. This pneumatic system enables efficient heat transport while the plastic channel maintains thermal isolation, solving the heat loss problem without increasing power consumption.
2Strength
If metal case walls are used for structural strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but heat conduction to the environment increases reducing panel heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the case: metal half-shells for structural strength and plastic components (air channel, support) for thermal insulation. This local differentiation allows the case to maintain mechanical strength where needed while preventing unwanted heat conduction in thermal pathways, optimizing both structural and thermal performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (pivoting support, heating elements, fans, electronic board) are assembled in the case, then functionality is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated assembly: the pivoting support structure, heating elements, fans, and electronic board are arranged and connected as a unified system within the case. The plastic support simultaneously provides mechanical support, defines the air channel geometry, and provides thermal insulation, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the video camera, defines the geometry of the air channel, provides thermal insulation, and facilitates assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining full functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Optimal heating of the transparent panel and the video camera body, reducing misting and enhancing surveillance system performance, while simplifying assembly and upgrading existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat insulating (preferably plastic) material of at least one section of a duct conveying an air flow directed towards a transparent panel
Implementation Method 2
heating elements placed to maximize heat retention and conduction
Implementation Method 3
conduction to a metal plate in contact with the video camera
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a case (1) for surveillance video cameras (2) comprising a first (3) and a second (4) half-shell connectable to each other to define a housing volume for at least one video camera (2). At least one of the first (3) and the second (4) half-shell comprises a transparent panel (5) intended to be placed in front of a lens of the video camera (2). The case further comprises a holding device (9) for the video camera (2) which defines a duct (8) conveying an air flow generated by air flow generating means (7) towards the transparent panel (5). Heating means (6) are provided for heating the generated air flow. At least one section of the conveying duct (8) has insulating walls, preferably made of plastic material, defined by the holding device itself. The invention relates also to a video camera holding device for use in protection cases.