Handheld Visual Inspection Device with Flexible Cable and Removable Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual inspection devices lack a compact, portable, and efficient means to view confined or difficult-to-access locations without dismantling surrounding structures, and existing devices often require complex setups or battery life limitations.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held visual inspection device featuring a flexible cable with a camera assembly, a rechargeable battery pack, and a display, allowing for easy access to confined spaces with adjustable angles for improved usability and extended battery life through a removable and rechargeable battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a visual inspection device is made portable and hand-held, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrating camera, display, and power components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a camera assembly at the end of a flexible cable, a body housing containing the display and control components, and a separately attachable battery pack. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed as a universal power source that can be attached to and detached from the device as needed. The same battery pack design can potentially serve multiple inspection devices, reducing overall system complexity and providing flexibility in power supply configuration.
2Reliability
If the battery pack is permanently integrated, then reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases when battery replacement or recharging is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack connection system transitions from a fixed, permanent integration to a dynamic, reversible connection. The battery pack can be securely attached during operation to ensure reliable power supply, then easily detached for recharging or replacement, providing both reliability during use and adaptability when power needs change.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed to be temporarily used and then recovered for recharging. Instead of permanent integration, the system allows the battery to be discarded from the device (temporarily removed) and recovered (recharged) for subsequent use, extending operational capability without requiring permanent integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically connected to the flexible cable to display image date from the image sensor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body.