Model Train Camera Power Supply Circuit for Stable Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Model train cameras face signal transmission issues due to electrical interference from the model railroad engine, leading to unstable video feeds and unrealistic views for hobbyists.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit and battery management system that provides consistent power to the camera, minimizing electrical interference and ensuring a stable video signal transmission by using a bridge rectifier, voltage regulator, and high-gain antenna, along with a battery management circuit to maintain power during track contact anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera is affixed to model trains to capture video, then the hobbyist can view the layout from the train engineer's viewpoint, but the electrical signal from the model railroad engine interferes with the wireless signal from the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the model railroad engine's electrical system and implements a dedicated switching power supply circuit within the camera housing. This separates the camera's power source from the engine's electrical signals, eliminating interference while maintaining video capture functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching power supply circuit as an intermediary between the engine's electrical system and the camera's wireless transmission system. This intermediary converts and regulates power while isolating the camera's electronics from electrical interference generated by the engine
2Measurement precision
If lighting is adjusted to increase image effectiveness, then image quality improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a switching power supply circuit that efficiently manages power parameters by converting input voltage to the precise levels required by camera components. This allows optimized lighting and sensor operation at lower power consumption while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces inefficient linear power regulation with a switching power supply system that uses electronic switching and energy storage elements. This substitution reduces power loss and improves overall energy efficiency, allowing better image quality without proportional increase in power consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless video system is installed inside model railroad engines, then the hobbyist gets the train engineer's viewpoint, but the electrical signal from the engine interferes with the wireless signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power conversion and regulation function into a dedicated switching power supply circuit, separating it from the engine's electrical system. This extraction eliminates the source of electrical interference while preserving the wireless video transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a locally controlled electrical environment within the camera housing by implementing a dedicated switching power supply. This local power management ensures stable voltage and current supply to the camera and wireless transmitter, isolating them from electrical interference in the engine's electrical 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 stable and realistic first-person perspective view of model railroad layouts by reducing electrical interference and ensuring continuous power to the camera system, providing a reliable video feed on monitors or recorders.
Implementation Method 1
a bridge rectifier
Implementation Method 2
voltage regulator
Implementation Method 3
high-gain antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
This invention relates to devices that enable a user to view a perspective view on a camera mounted to a model railroad train. Previously, the camera carrier wave of the camera was corrupted by inconsistent power going to the camera and interference from a model railroad engine, which is part of the model railroad train. The present invention uses a power supply circuit (14) to remedy the inconsistent power problem by removing spikes and gaps in power. A high gain antenna (31) remedies the interference problem by greatly increasing the reception of the camera carrier wave of the camera. Further, a battery management circuit can ensure that consistent power is provided to both the model railroad engine and the camera.