Wireless Push Camera Reel for Slip-Ring-Free HD Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push cameras suffer from limited signal quality due to multiple slip rings, are not easily configurable with different cables, and have an inconveniently fixed display/operator control panel, restricting the use of higher definition imaging and requiring multiple devices for varying applications.
Innovation Solution
A wireless push camera design where the reel is electrically and mechanically discrete from the camera unit, eliminating slip rings and hubs, allowing for interchangeable cable configurations and wireless control with mobile devices, enhancing signal quality and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple slip rings are used to provide electrical connection between the camera and display/operator control panel, then the camera can rotate and self-level, but the signal quality is limited and restricts imaging to standard video
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with a wireless communication system. The camera unit transmits video signals wirelessly to the display/operator control panel, eliminating the need for electrical connections through slip rings. This substitution resolves the signal quality limitation imposed by multiple slip rings while maintaining the camera's rotational and self-leveling capabilities.
2Productivity
If the reel is fixed to the base with a hub and slip ring, then the cable can be paid out and reeled in, but changing cables requires unwinding and reeling in the entire cable, which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reel from the base by eliminating the hub connection. The reel is now independently mountable to the base without requiring a fixed hub assembly. This segmentation allows the reel to be quickly removed and replaced with a different reel containing another cable, enabling rapid cable changes without the time-consuming process of unwinding and reeling in cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the system by allowing the reel to be easily mounted and dismounted from the base. This dynamic arrangement enables the operator to adapt the system to different cable requirements by simply changing the reel, rather than being constrained by a fixed reel structure.
3Ease of operation
If the display/operator control panel is permanently affixed to the base, then the camera can be controlled and images displayed, but viewing the display while pushing the cable is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical display mounting with a wireless communication system. The display/operator control panel receives video signals wirelessly from the camera unit, allowing the display to be positioned anywhere within wireless range. This enables the operator to conveniently view the display while pushing the cable, eliminating the ergonomic limitations of a permanently affixed display.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary device with fixed reel is used, then the push camera is simple in structure, but users need multiple devices for different cable types, increasing costs and clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal base unit that can work with multiple different reel types. By eliminating the hub and allowing independent reel mounting, the base becomes versatile and can accommodate reels with different cable types, lengths, and specifications. This multi-functionality allows users to have a single base unit with interchangeable reels, eliminating the need for multiple separate push camera devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A push camera apparatus comprising: (a) at least one reel configured to rotate on a base to pay out or reel in a cable, the reel having a cable input; (b) the cable having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end being connected to the cable input; (c) a camera connected to the distal end and configured to transmit image data through the cable to the cable input; and (d) a communication module operatively connected to the cable input and configured to rotate with the reel, and to transmit wirelessly the image data from the cable input to a wireless controller.