Pole-Mounted Covert Camera Housing With Concealed Lens Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video cameras, especially surveillance cameras, are often visible and negatively impact the aesthetics of their surroundings, and there is a need for a housing that allows the camera to remain covert while maintaining its functionality.
Innovation Solution
A covert video camera housing designed to resemble common outdoor poles, with the camera secured inside and aligned with an opening, allowing it to record events without being easily seen, and optionally incorporating solar panels for power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the video camera is made visible and securely mounted on a pole, then the camera can be easily accessed and maintained, but the aesthetics of the area is negatively affected and the camera is easily seen
Solution Approach 1:
The video camera is nested inside the pole housing, with the camera positioned within the interior space of the pole. The pole serves as both the structural support and the concealment housing, allowing the camera to be protected and hidden while maintaining functionality. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by hiding the camera within the pole's interior rather than mounting it externally.
Solution Approach 2:
An opening or aperture is provided in the pole housing that serves as an intermediary element. This opening allows the camera lens to view the area while maintaining the concealment function. The opening acts as a mediator between the need for visibility (for the camera to function) and the need for concealment (to maintain aesthetics), enabling the camera to be hidden while still capturing images.
2Productivity
If an opening is provided in the pole for camera visibility, then the camera can record events, but the pole structure is compromised and aesthetics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is provided at a specific location in the pole housing, allowing the camera to view the area while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the pole. The opening is strategically positioned to provide necessary visibility for recording while minimizing impact on the pole's strength and appearance. This local modification approach resolves the contradiction by providing a focused opening rather than compromising the entire pole structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a new pole with opening is used, then the camera can be concealed effectively, but the installation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pole housing is pre-configured with an opening and internal mounting structures before installation. The camera can be directly mounted inside the pole using pre-provided attachment mechanisms such as adhesives or mechanical fasteners. This preliminary preparation of the pole housing simplifies the overall installation process while maintaining the concealment function, resolving the contradiction between effective hiding and installation simplicity.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the camera is positioned inside the pole, then the aesthetics are preserved, but the camera requires precise alignment with the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The pole housing includes self-aligning features such as guide pins, alignment slots, or pre-positioned mounting brackets that automatically position the camera correctly relative to the opening. These self-service alignment mechanisms eliminate the need for complex manual alignment procedures, allowing the camera to be easily positioned inside the pole while maintaining precise alignment with the opening for optimal viewing. This resolves the contradiction by providing automatic alignment rather than requiring manual precision.
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
The housing keeps the camera concealed while enabling effective recording, preserving the aesthetics of the environment and providing power through solar panels.
Implementation Method 1
solar panel mounted or secured to the pole and disposed on the outside of the pole for charging of a battery member for the video camera(s) located within the pole
Data Source
AI summary
A covert video camera housing preferably for outdoor use where the video camera is not easily seen and does not distract or negatively affect the aesthetics of the area where the video camera is located. In one embodiment, an ordinary pole is provided, and the video camera is located within the pole and able to record events happening in the area through an opening in the pole. In a second embodiment, a pole adaptor is secured to a top end of an existing pole and camera is located within the pole adaptor and records through an opening provided in the pole adaptor.