Camera Skid with Pliable Front Lip for Pipe Inspection Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera skids for pipe inspection cameras are inadequate in providing effective protection and alignment, particularly in rough environments, and do not optimize camera positioning for improved imaging.

Innovation Solution

A camera skid with a rigid or semi-rigid body and a pliable front portion that contacts the camera, allowing partial exposure of the camera face and featuring guiding ridges and grooves to maintain alignment and protect the camera from debris, while accommodating various camera sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the camera is fully enclosed in the skid for protection, then protection is improved, but imaging quality deteriorates due to blocked camera face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera protection from debrisVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The skid body has different properties in different regions: the front portion is open to allow camera face exposure for imaging, while the rear portion is enclosed to provide protection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and imaging quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The skid is segmented into distinct functional zones: an open front section for camera access and imaging, and a protected rear section for camera housing and cabling. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of imaging quality and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the camera is held firmly in the skid for stable positioning, then alignment is improved, but camera face exposure is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera alignment stabilityVSAvoidcamera face exposure area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The skid provides firm holding and alignment in the rear and side regions while maintaining an open front region for camera face exposure. This localized approach to stability preserves both alignment and imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the skid body is made completely rigid for structural strength, then protection is improved, but adaptability to different camera sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskid structural strengthVSAvoidaccommodation of various camera sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The skid body dimensions and internal cavity parameters are designed to accommodate different camera sizes while maintaining structural strength. The open front portion allows cameras of varying diameters to be inserted and positioned appropriately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3374761B1Camera skid

Publication Date: 2023.09.06 BUSAN TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION

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AI summary

A camera skid (100) is presented. The camera skid (100) includes a body (104) into which a camera (112) can be inserted; and a front portion (102) received into the body (104), the front portion (102) including a lip (122) that contacts a face of the camera (112).