In-Ground Camera with Self-Cleaning Air Spray for Racetrack Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems for broadcasting sporting events lack innovative methods to enhance coverage quality and safety, particularly in high-speed environments like racing tracks, where existing solutions may endanger drivers and suffer from potential damage from frequent vehicle passes.
Innovation Solution
An in-ground camera system with a hardened stainless steel dome-like surface, secured within the track surface, featuring a low-profile design, removable components, integrated microphone, and self-cleaning air or fluid spray system, ensuring safety, durability, and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is placed in-ground on a racetrack to provide unique camera angles, then camera coverage quality is improved, but the camera is exposed to damage from high-speed vehicles passing over it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a protective air or fluid cushion between the passing vehicles and the camera housing. The air or fluid spray system generates a protective barrier that absorbs and dissipates the impact forces from vehicles passing over the camera at speeds exceeding 100 mph, preventing direct contact damage while maintaining the camera's in-ground position for optimal coverage angles
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera housing has a low-profile design to minimize damage risk, then safety is improved, but the camera may not be able to accommodate necessary camera components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the camera housing into multiple modular sections that can be independently positioned and configured. This allows the housing to maintain a low-profile external shape for safety while internally accommodating complex camera components through segmented, stackable, or nested structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nested doll by placing camera components within nested or nested-like structures inside the housing. The camera lens, sensors, and other components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner that fits within the constrained low-profile housing volume while maintaining functional integrity
3Reliability
If the camera is permanently fixed in one location to ensure stability, then reliability is improved, but the camera cannot be relocated for different event coverage needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a hybrid mounting system that provides both fixed and movable characteristics. The camera housing includes a secure base attachment mechanism for stable fixed installation, combined with release mechanisms and portable mounting features that enable relocation when needed, allowing the system to transition between static and mobile states based on operational requirements
4Reliability
If the camera surface is made smooth to reduce vehicle damage, then durability is improved, but water and debris may accumulate on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the air or fluid spray system that periodically or continuously directs streams of air or fluid across the camera housing surface. This periodic action prevents water and debris accumulation by continuously clearing the smooth surface, maintaining optical clarity and preventing contaminant buildup without compromising the smooth durable finish
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical cleaning mechanisms (brushes, wipers, or manual cleaning) with a pneumatic or fluid-based cleaning system. The air or fluid spray creates a non-contact cleaning effect that removes contaminants from the smooth surface without mechanical wear or damage
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 system provides enhanced coverage with a safe and durable camera setup that minimizes damage from high-speed vehicles, reduces operational costs through relocatable components, and maintains operational integrity with self-cleaning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the in-ground camera incorporates an air or fluid spray system for cleaning the lens of the camera during use. The shape of the camera surface, with its cutout camera view section, and/or the speed of the vehicles can also be used to quickly dry any water sprayed on the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided for a unique camera experience, wherein the camera is placed in an in-ground position permitting recording or broadcast of a camera perspective that is along the surface of or above the surface of the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the in-ground camera is secured within the surface of a racetrack.