Pole-Mounted Camera Access Slide for Protected Roadside Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical support systems, particularly in rural areas, face challenges with camera and antenna placement due to high installation costs, inconvenient mounting, lack of power, regulatory setbacks, and vulnerability to damage and vandalism, making it difficult to achieve effective coverage and maintenance of roadside equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pole with a conduit track and sliding assembly that houses electrical components and cables, allowing for easy access and protection from the environment, enabling cost-effective and reliable deployment and maintenance of camera and antenna systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras and antennas are mounted on poles in rural areas, then coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to inconvenient mounting locations and lack of infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: the pole structure, the access door assembly, the electrical component housing, and the camera mounting mechanisms are all separate, interchangeable modules that can be independently installed and serviced, reducing overall installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for cameras and antennas, houses electrical components and power supplies, provides structured cable routing pathways, and includes integrated access doors for maintenance - eliminating the need for separate infrastructure for each function
2Ease of repair
If electrical components are exposed to the outside environment for easy access, then maintenance ease is improved, but vulnerability to weather damage and vandalism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical components are nested within the protected interior space of the pole structure, which acts as a protective enclosure against environmental factors and vandalism, while still allowing access through dedicated access doors
Solution Approach 2:
The access door assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows maintenance personnel to access electrical components without exposing them to the external environment - the door provides a controlled interface between the protected interior and the outside world
3Measurement precision
If cameras are placed closer to the access way for better imaging, then image quality and identification capability are improved, but vulnerability to damage and vandalism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is nested within the protective pole structure, positioned at an optimal distance from the access way for imaging while the pole enclosure provides physical protection against vandalism and environmental damage
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure provides localized protection specifically around the camera mounting area, allowing the camera to be positioned in a vulnerable location for optimal imaging while only the essential components require protection
4Area of stationary object
If multiple poles are deployed for wide coverage, then area coverage is improved, but maintenance cost and time increase due to dispersed locations
Solution Approach 1:
Each pole is a self-contained modular unit with all necessary components (power supply, electrical components, cable routing, access doors) integrated into the pole structure itself, allowing individual poles to be serviced independently without affecting other poles, thus reducing total maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure includes self-sufficient features such as integrated power supplies, internal cable routing systems, and accessible electrical compartments that allow maintenance personnel to service each pole independently using standardized procedures and components
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a pole, a conduit track, and a sliding assembly that slides along the conduit track. The pole is configured to support an optical system that includes a camera or antenna. The sliding assembly and conduit track are disposed within an interior of the pole. The sliding assembly supports electrical components used in operation of the optical system, such as power components, storage devices, and communication modules. Cables extend from the optical system, through the conduit track, and to the electrical components supported by the sliding assembly. An access opening along the pole provides an operator easy access to the electrical components. Moreover, all of the electrical components and cables are disposed within the pole and protected from outside elements. The system allows electronic systems power and optics to be deployed in a cost effective, efficient and secure manner in locations alongside roads and other access ways.