Inspection Nozzle Camera Module With Magnetic Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-pressure cleaning and inspection nozzles with integrated cameras face challenges in maintaining the camera's sensitive electronics and optics while operating under high pressure, requiring frequent disassembly and exposure to water, which reduces battery life and complicates maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a camera module with a water-tight housing and contactless magnetic activation, allowing the camera to be operated externally without manipulating the camera module or housing, using a magnetic camera switch and inductive power supply to maintain encapsulation integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the camera module is frequently disassembled for maintenance and servicing, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but battery life is reduced and service life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera maintenance accessibilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact systems (physical switches and wired power connections) with contactless magnetic field-based activation and inductive power transfer. This allows the camera to be operated and powered without opening the water-tight encapsulation, thereby preserving battery life while maintaining ease of operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer energy and control signals across the water-tight barrier. A magnetic switch and inductive power supply system enable external operation of the camera without physical contact or penetration of the encapsulation, solving the contradiction between sealed protection and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the camera housing is opened for servicing, then maintenance access is improved, but water-tight encapsulation integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera servicing accessVSAvoidwater-tight encapsulation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching and power connection systems with contactless magnetic field-based systems. This eliminates the need to open the water-tight encapsulation for operation, thereby maintaining encapsulation integrity while enabling easy camera servicing through external magnetic activation and inductive power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to communicate with and power the camera through the water-tight encapsulation without physical penetration. This allows maintenance personnel to service the camera externally without compromising the encapsulation's water-tight integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wired power supply and physical switches are used, then power transfer and control are reliable, but encapsulation integrity is compromised and operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidencapsulation penetration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes wired electrical connections and mechanical switches with contactless inductive power transfer and magnetic field-based switching. This eliminates penetration requirements in the encapsulation, simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable power supply and control through external magnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances operational convenience by allowing external camera operation without compromising the camera's protection, reducing maintenance needs and extending battery life by eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and minimizing interference with the encapsulation.

Implementation Method 1

contactless magnetic activation, allowing the camera to be operated externally without manipulating the camera module or housing, using a magnetic camera switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

inductive power supply to maintain encapsulation integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11936965B2Inspection nozzle or cleaning nozzle with switchable camera module

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 ENZ TECHNIK AG

AI summary

Operational convenience is to be improved in an inspection nozzle or cleaning nozzle for operation with liquids under high pressure with a coupling section that can be connected to a high-pressure tube. A feed bore, a deflection chamber and at least one communicating bore are operatively connected to the coupling section. A camera recess running concentric to a longitudinal axis is arranged in a camera-receiving portion. A camera module is accommodated releasably connected to an encapsulated camera housing sealed water-tight. Optics and camera electronics are permanently incorporated in camera housing. Case manipulation of the camera module and the camera housing is unnecessary. This is realized in that within the camera housing, a contactless magnetically operable camera switch is arranged effectively connected to the camera electronics via a circuit board on one wall of the camera housing.