Marine Camera Linear Actuator for Elevated View

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine camera systems for boats lack an efficient mechanism to provide an elevated vantage point without requiring unnecessary ladder use or sacrificing deck space, especially on smaller vessels without towers, and often require separate binoculars for better viewing.

Innovation Solution

A marine camera system utilizing a linear actuator with a 12V DC motor, capable of raising and lowering a camera for 360° rotation, integrated with a hardtop support pole, allowing for elevated surveillance without the need for ladder access and incorporating a joystick control for positioning, with options for hydraulic lifting and infrared capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a camera is mounted on the boat without an elevated structure, then deck space is preserved, but the camera cannot provide an elevated vantage point for monitoring surroundings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeck spaceVSAvoidcamera height

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera mounting system uses a telescopic pole with extendable sections that can be dynamically adjusted in height. The pole transitions from a compact retracted state (preserving deck space) to an extended elevated state (providing monitoring vantage point), allowing the system to adapt between conflicting spatial requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic pole employs a nested structure where smaller diameter pole sections are inserted within larger sections. This nesting arrangement allows multiple pole segments to be stored compactly within the boat's hardtop support structure when not in use, while enabling full extension to achieve the required camera height for elevated monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a tower or elevated structure is installed on the boat to provide an elevated view, then surveillance capability is improved, but deck space is sacrificed and the boat structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveillance capabilityVSAvoiddeck space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the telescopic pole serves both as a mounting structure and a height-adjustable surveillance platform; the motorized actuator provides both automated camera positioning and pole extension/retraction; the housing protects both the camera and actuator mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tower structures while maintaining surveillance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the actuator motor is exposed to the marine environment, then the system remains simple, but the motor is vulnerable to water and environmental damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmotor protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator motor is enclosed within a sealed waterproof housing that protects the motor from water ingress and marine environmental damage. The housing acts as a protective barrier while allowing the motor to remain integrated with the telescopic pole mechanism, maintaining system simplicity without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Length of moving object

If a ladder is used to access an elevated camera position, then the camera can be positioned high for better viewing, but the operator faces injury risk and requires additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera heightVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual ladder access system is replaced with a motorized actuator mechanism that automatically positions the camera at the required elevated height. The actuator uses threaded drive mechanics to extend and retract the telescopic pole, eliminating the need for operators to climb ladders and exposing them to injury risks from falls or unstable structures.

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

Enables a single operator to navigate and fish with an elevated view, reducing the risk of injury and deck space usage, while eliminating the need for binoculars through integrated zoom and infrared features, and protecting the actuator motor from environmental exposure.

Implementation Method 1

A linear actuator with a 12V DC motor, capable of raising and lowering a camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A marine camera system utilizing a linear actuator with a 12V DC motor, capable of raising and lowering a camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10116906B1Elevated marine camera

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 CRESPI JUAN A

AI summary

Camera systems are disclosed relating to nautical vessels that include a linear actuator, a camera, a display, and a set of camera controls. The linear actuator may be configured to extend above the canopy such that the linear actuator fully supports the weight of the camera and such that the linear actuator is concealed within the canopy structural support. Such configurations may provide for elevated camera vantage points.