Ice Fishing Camera Indexed Wheel Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater cameras for ice fishing lack precise angular control and stability due to underwater currents, making it difficult to survey specific underwater areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A camera support device featuring a circular rim base with a rotatable indexed wheel that can be locked into precise orientations, allowing the camera to be adjusted independently of currents, and a camera cable clamp for depth control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is allowed to float freely underwater, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and directional control deteriorate due to underwater currents
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into separate functional components: a floating base unit and a camera assembly that can be independently positioned and oriented. The base provides buoyancy and stability while the camera assembly can be adjusted to specific angles using the indexed wheel mechanism, allowing directional control without compromising the ease of floating deployment
Solution Approach 2:
An indexed wheel mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the camera's orientation. This wheel provides discrete angular positions that allow precise directional control of the camera while maintaining the overall simplicity and buoyant operation of the device
2Measurement precision
If motorized devices are used to control camera direction, then angular orientation control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, non-motorized indexed wheel mechanism instead of complex motorized systems. This mechanical solution uses indexed positions on a wheel to provide precise angular control at each discrete position, achieving accurate orientation control without the complexity, cost, and power requirements of motorized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is designed to be manually adjustable through the indexed wheel mechanism, allowing dynamic repositioning and reorientation as needed. This manual adjustment system provides the flexibility and adaptability previously requiring motorized systems, while maintaining simplicity through user-operated mechanical controls
Data Source
AI summary
An ice fishing camera support device generally comprises a base portion that rotatably supports an indexed wheel. The support base generally comprises a circular top portion and downward-protruding side wall extending from the outer peripheral section of the top portion. A plurality of gripping teeth extend from the bottom surface of the side wall. The gripping teeth may be embedded into the ice surface to prevent the camera support device from sliding on the ice surface. The indexed wheel is centrally supported within the recessed section and may be freely rotated with respect to the support base. The support base and the indexed wheel comprise a slotted section which extends from their centers through their peripheral edges. An underwater camera cable is inserted into the slot, and the indexed wheel may be rotated with respect to the support base to precisely determine the angular orientation of the underwater camera.