Collapsible Camera Mount for Barge Hatch Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current barge inspection methods require personnel exposure to the interior, limiting repeatability and safety, and lack a system for efficient and versatile camera mounting.
Innovation Solution
A camera mounting system with an L-shaped support frame and a mount cross brace that engages with the barge hatch, allowing for adjustable and collapsible positioning of a camera tube for barge hold inspection, reducing personnel exposure and enabling repeatable inspections across various barge designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personnel manually inspect the interior of barge holds, then inspection can be performed, but personnel safety is compromised and repeatability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated camera-based visual inspection system. The camera mounting system positions a camera to capture images of the barge hold interior, eliminating the need for personnel to physically enter hazardous environments while enabling repeatable inspections across multiple barges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the inspector and the barge hold interior. The camera mounting system with L-shaped support frame and cross brace positions the camera to visually inspect the hold without direct human contact, thereby protecting personnel while maintaining inspection capability.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed camera mounting system is used, then inspection consistency is improved, but adaptability to different barge configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, adjustable camera mounting system rather than a fixed rigid structure. The L-shaped support frame with cross brace includes adjustable components that allow the camera position to be modified to accommodate different barge hatch sizes and configurations, maintaining inspection consistency across varied structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting system is designed as a universal platform that can adapt to multiple barge types. The adjustable L-shaped support frame and cross brace configuration enable the same system to be deployed across different barge designs, achieving both consistency and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable camera system is used, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera mounting system into segmented, modular components including the L-shaped support frame and separate cross brace elements. This segmentation enables portability for transport to different locations while allowing stable assembly at each inspection site through precise geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple structural elements (L-shaped support frame, cross brace, mounting plate) into an integrated system that achieves both portability and stability. The geometric configuration of these combined elements creates a stable structure when assembled, while remaining disassemblable for transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera mounting system for inspection is intended to be used with lights and a camera connected to a data transmission system to allow temporary installation of the mounting system upon a barge hatch to allow for visual confirmation via a camera or other digital imaging system of the interior space of the barge. The system is intended to be used to reduce personnel exposure to the interior of barges. The camera mounting system is portable and may be folded. The camera mounting system allows use with hatches generally rectangular at the access hatch as well as hatches having rounded or sweeping ninety degree type access hatches with the mounting system providing multiple positions for placement of the camera for either hatch type to ensure repeatability of the visual confirmation between various barge and barge configurations.