Retractable Surveillance Support with Cambered Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveillance apparatuses with retractable supports are limited in their ability to support mass at extended lengths, particularly when using a single cambered support, which restricts their utility and stability.
Innovation Solution
A handheld surveillance device featuring a retractable support member with cambered upper and lower sections made of deformable materials, secured by a flexible sheath, forming a substantially rigid cavity, and equipped with a spooling mechanism that allows for extension and retraction, providing increased rigidity and flexibility while supporting sensors effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cambered support is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to support mass at extended length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple cambered sections (first, second, and third sections) that can telescope relative to each other. Each section contributes to the overall load-bearing capacity, allowing the system to support greater mass at extended lengths compared to a single cambered support while maintaining structural simplicity through modular segmentation.
2Length of moving object
If the support member is extended to increased length, then the surveillance coverage area is improved, but the stability and mass support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support member utilizes cambered sections with specific curvature radii (first cambered section with radius R1, second with R2, third with R3 where R1 < R2 < R3). This progressive curvature design provides optimal structural stability at each telescoped position, allowing the support to maintain rigidity and stability even when extended to increased lengths for broader surveillance coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable materials are used in the support sections, then the flexibility and stowage capability are improved, but the rigidity when extended is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support sections utilize deformable materials whose mechanical properties change based on the operational state. When telescoped or compressed, the materials remain flexible for compact stowage; when extended and locked in position, the cambered geometry and material deformation characteristics provide sufficient rigidity to support the sensor payload while maintaining the ability to return to a compact state.
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
The solution enables the device to support sensors of up to 120g at 1.9m length, offering improved stability and flexibility, allowing for covert operations with a low observable finish, and facilitating convenient storage and extended use without direct intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a spooling mechanism mounted at the housing, and being rotatable relative to the housing, and being attached to the second end of the retractable support member, the spooling mechanism being: operable to rotate in a first direction to convert the retractable support member from a spooled condition to an extended condition and thereby pay-out the retractable support member from the housing
Implementation Method 2
operable to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first to convert the retractable support member from the extended condition to the spooled condition and thereby retract the retractable support member into the housing
Implementation Method 3
wherein at least one of the upper or lower sections are constructed from at least one deformable material, wherein at least one of the upper or lower sections is cambered, wherein upper and lower sections are arranged to form a substantially rigid cavity throughout their length, and are retained to form the substantially rigid cavity by a retaining means
Implementation Method 4
wherein said retaining means comprises a flexible sheath which envelopes the outside of the upper and lower sections thereby securing said sections to form said retractable support member
Implementation Method 5
wherein spooling the retractable support member forces the at least one deformable material to deform causing the upper section and lower section together to become substantially flat as it is spooled
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
There is disclosed a surveillance apparatus comprising: - a retractable support member; the retractable support member comprising an upper section and lower section, wherein at least one of the upper or lower sections are constructed from at least one deformable material, wherein upper and lower sections are arranged to form a substantially rigid cavity throughout their length, and are retained by a retaining means, wherein said retractable support member comprises a first end and a second end; a housing; a spooling mechanism mounted at the housing, and being rotatable relative to the housing, and being attached to the second end of the retractable support member, the spooling mechanism being: operable to rotate in a first direction to convert the retractable support member from a spooled condition to an extended condition and thereby pay-out the retractable support member from the housing, operable to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first to convert the retractable support member from the extended condition to the spooled condition and thereby retract the retractable support member into the housing, wherein coiling the retractable support member forces the deformable material to deform causing the upper section and lower section together to become substantially flat as it is spooled.