Solar-Powered Surveillance Camera Mounting Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high installation and maintenance costs of surveillance devices due to the need for physical conduits for power and communications, which can be costly and inconvenient, especially in retrofit constructions.
Innovation Solution
Equipping surveillance devices with a solar module that converts light into power and a mounting module with magnetic or other mounting elements to attach them near lighting sources, eliminating the need for separate power and communication conduits, allowing for wireless operation and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If surveillance devices are equipped with battery power, then installation complexity is reduced, but maintenance costs increase due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The solar-powered surveillance device generates its own power through photovoltaic cells, eliminating the need for external power conduits or replaceable batteries. The device sustains itself by converting sunlight into electrical energy, which charges an internal energy storage component, thereby avoiding maintenance associated with battery replacement while maintaining installation simplicity.
2Reliability
If physical conduits are installed for power and communications, then reliability of power supply is improved, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical power conduits with a photovoltaic power generation system. The surveillance device incorporates solar cells that directly convert sunlight into electrical energy, eliminating the need for installed power conduits while providing reliable power supply. The device also uses wireless communication to transmit surveillance data, further reducing infrastructure requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless communications are used, then installation costs are reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs energy-efficient communication protocols and low-power device components to minimize power consumption of the surveillance device. The photovoltaic cells are sized and positioned to capture sufficient sunlight to power the wireless communication module, processor, and camera. The system balances power generation and consumption by optimizing the operational parameters of each component.
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
This solution minimizes installation and maintenance costs by providing a self-sustaining power source and communication capabilities, enabling quick and efficient deployment of surveillance devices without the need for extensive wiring.
Implementation Method 1
Solar power is the conversion of light into electricity, typically converted directly using photovoltaics (PVs), which convert light into electricity using the photoelectric effect.
Implementation Method 2
The mounting elements can include a magnetic material arranged on the mounting surface to enable the surveillance device to mount to a paramagnetic material in close proximity to a lighting source.
Data Source
AI summary
Surveillance cameras can be used in many buildings accessible to the public to deter criminal activity and promote public safety. Apparatus and corresponding methods, of the disclosed embodiments of the invention promote installation and use of such surveillance devices through an improved camera mounting module and power supply unit using a solar module having solar cells. An example embodiment of the surveillance devices includes an imaging device, power supply unit employing a solar module having solar cells, and a mounting module coupled to the imaging device, the solar cells being configured with the mounting module to collect light and provide available power to the power supply unit. The disclosed surveillance device, and corresponding process of performing surveillance, minimizes installation and maintenance costs and times associated with surveillance systems.