Movable Camera Cover for Tamper Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance cameras are vulnerable to tampering, which can lead to obstructed views and damage, resulting in ineffective monitoring and increased maintenance costs, as existing solutions do not adequately address the risk of sabotage and image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A protective camera enclosure with a selectively movable cover portion that transitions from a retracted to an extended configuration in response to detected tampering threats, utilizing a tampering threat detection unit and actuator systems to physically protect the camera, improve image quality, and reduce maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick covering glass is always in place to protect the camera, then the camera is protected from tampering, but image quality deteriorates due to aberrations and distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is made movable between a retracted configuration (exposing the camera) and an extended configuration (covering and protecting the camera). This dynamic structure allows the system to switch between protection mode and imaging mode, eliminating the need for a permanently installed thick covering glass that would continuously degrade image quality.
2Reliability
If the camera is mounted at a distance from the protective glass, then the camera is protected from attacks to the glass, but image quality deteriorates due to reflections in the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion moves to an extended configuration only when tampering is detected, allowing the camera to be mounted close to the cover without suffering from reflection issues during normal operation. The dynamic deployment eliminates the need for permanent spacing that would cause reflections.
3Reliability
If the cover portion is made of highly impact resistant material, then the camera is protected from tampering, but the cover obscures the camera view
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is deployed to an extended configuration only when tampering is detected, providing protection only when needed. During normal operation, the cover remains retracted, allowing the camera to capture clear images without obstruction from the protective material.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective camera enclosure (3) for a monitoring camera (1) comprises a cover portion (5) which is selectively moveable, in response to a detected tampering threat, from a retracted configuration exposing the camera (1) to an extended configuration covering and physically protecting the camera (1).