Sewer Camera Wiper Mechanism for Clear View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems used in sewer pipes face challenges such as restricted views due to dirt and debris, potential water contact that can lead to lens clouding, and the need for effective cleaning mechanisms to maintain a clear view.
Innovation Solution
A camera unit with a fluid-tight housing, a window for the camera, a wiper mechanism for removing dirt, and a drive system to move the wiper back and forth, ensuring a clear view even in dirty and humid environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera is placed in a sewer pipe to observe rehabilitation work, then the operator can see the work area on a monitor, but dirt and debris will accumulate on the camera window and obstruct the view
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper is positioned and ready to clean the camera window before dirt accumulation significantly obstructs the view. The continuous or periodic cleaning action prevents dirt buildup rather than just removing it after complete accumulation, maintaining clear visibility throughout the rehabilitation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit performs its own cleaning through the integrated wiper mechanism that is part of the camera housing. The wiper is driven by a motor within the camera unit itself, allowing the system to maintain its own visibility without external intervention during the rehabilitation work.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is exposed to the sewer pipe environment, then it can capture images of the work area, but water contact will cloud the lens and require cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The camera housing includes a waterproof membrane or flexible barrier that separates the internal camera components from the external sewer environment. This thin film barrier allows the camera to operate remotely in wet conditions while preventing water contact with the lens and internal electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper mechanism automatically cleans the window when water contact occurs, maintaining clear visibility without requiring manual intervention. The system self-corrects the water clouding issue through its integrated cleaning mechanism.
3Loss of information
If a wiper is mounted on the camera window to remove dirt, then the view remains clear, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper mechanism is integrated into the camera housing structure, combining the cleaning function with the camera unit itself. The wiper support, drive mechanism, and window are all part of a single unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper mechanism serves multiple functions: it removes dirt debris, wipes water contact, and maintains continuous view clarity. This multi-functional component addresses various contamination issues (dirt, water, steam) with a single integrated system rather than requiring separate solutions for each type of contamination.
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 camera unit provides a consistently clear and unrestricted view during sewer pipe renovation, effectively removing dirt and preventing water contact, thus ensuring high-quality imaging and prolonged equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper (17) arranged in front of the window (13) for removing dirt
Implementation Method 2
The camera unit has a water nozzle that sprays the water supplied to the camera unit onto the window
Implementation Method 3
the window has the same curvature as the outer surface of the cylindrical housing. This bending does not create any additional edges on the window surface. Avoiding additional edges on the window surface prevents the strong refraction of light rays entering the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Shown is a camera unit (10) for monitoring rehabilitation work in sewer pipes. The camera unit includes a camera (19) and a preferably liquid-tight housing (11) in which the camera is placed. A window (13) is provided in this housing, behind which the camera is located. A wiper (17) for removing debris is fixed to a support (15) in front of the window. The wiper is preferably movable back and forth by means of a drive mechanism.