Camera Surveillance Assembly with Selectively Rotatable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera surveillance devices for observing difficult-to-view surfaces, such as vehicle undersides, are cumbersome, heavy, complex, and limited in their ability to adjust angles and extend to varying heights, making them inefficient and prone to corrosion in industrial environments.

Innovation Solution

A camera surveillance assembly with variable length rod members secured by a unique selectively rotatable coupling, allowing for angular orientation and easy length adjustment, which is lightweight, compact, and protected from environmental corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single rod with motorized mirror is used for inspection, then the device can position the mirror at various angles, but the device becomes unduly heavy and cumbersome with complex circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to position mirror at various anglesVSAvoidcomplexity of circuitry and parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motorized mirror positioning system with a purely mechanical rod assembly that can be manually positioned. The rod members can be extended, retracted, and angled using simple mechanical joints and telescoping sections, eliminating the need for motors, circuitry, and complex electrical components while maintaining the ability to reach various inspection angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection device is divided into multiple separate rod members (first rod member and second rod member) that can be independently adjusted. Each rod member has telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted independently, allowing flexible positioning without requiring a complex motorized system. The rods can be coupled at various angles using simple mechanical joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a single Z-shaped rod with internal actuator is used, then the camera can be positioned by manual actuation, but the observation area is significantly limited and the actuation system is unduly complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual camera positioningVSAvoidextent of observation area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses multiple separate rod members (first rod member 12 and second rod member 14) instead of a single Z-shaped rod. Each rod member has independent telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted to reach different areas. The rods can be coupled at various angles, significantly expanding the observation area compared to a single rigid Z-shaped rod while maintaining simple manual operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rod members incorporate telescoping sections that can be dynamically extended or retracted to adjust the length of each rod. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to reach various heights and angles, expanding the observation area while keeping the actuation system simple and manual

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable elbow with exposed circular plates and separable mating teeth is used, then the rod members can be angled, but the teeth are exposed to environment causing corrosion and rust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to angle rod membersVSAvoidsusceptibility to corrosion and rust

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between rod members uses an internal locking mechanism where the locking and unlocking means are contained within the hollow rod structure. The mating teeth and locking components are protected from the external environment by the hollow rod walls, preventing corrosion and rust while still allowing the rod members to be coupled at various angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the locking mechanism exposed on the outside of the rod members, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the locking and unlocking means inside the hollow rod structure. This internal placement protects the mechanical components from environmental damage while maintaining the ability to adjust angles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Weight of moving object

If variable length rod members with internal locking mechanism are used, then the device is lightweight and compact, but the coupling must be selectively movable for angular orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of inspection deviceVSAvoidselective coupling movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-locking through internal locking means that automatically engage when the rod members are coupled. The hollow rod structure provides inherent stability and support, eliminating the need for additional heavy support components. The simple unlocking mechanism allows easy angular adjustment without requiring complex actuation systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10078255B2Camera surveillance assembly

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 SCOTT GLENN M

AI summary

A camera surveillance/inspection assembly and a unique coupling assembly are disclosed. The surveillance/inspection assembly includes a pair of selectively variable length rod members connected to each other by the selectively rotatable coupling. The coupling includes a pair of abutting rotatable members locked together by internal meshing annular toothed portions. The rotatable members and meshing toothed portions are selectively disengaged by depressing a spring urged connecting shaft. Rotation of either or both of the rotatable members will angularly orient the rod members with respect to each other.