Automatic Leveling Low-cost Camera Combat Cam

Team: Nathan Chugg and Justin Westfall

Sponsor: L3Harris

Project Description

The goal of this project is to design a throwable camera that is low-cost/disposable and self-leveling. This camera is designed to connect to a phone where the user is able to control the deployment and movement of the camera from 50-100 ft away.

Performance Review

Requirement Target Threshold Actual Performance
Durability 30 ft drop test 25 ft drop test 25 ft drop test
Weight 0.5 lbs 1 lbs 0.452 lbs
FOV 360° continuous 360° 360° continuous
Turn Rate of Camera 180°/sec 120°/sec 172°/sec
Battery Life 1 hour 0.5 hours 0.95 hours
Device Cost $30 $50 $46.59
Range 100–150 ft 50 ft 165 ft

Design Description

The camera module is connected to the main housing by the motor shaft. This allows the Combat cam to have a 360° continuous FOY. The locking mechanism on the top cap of the camera module allows the legs to lock into place and to slide out/deploy when the camera is turned. The legs are connected to the main housing with pins and screws. These connections allow the spring to be compressed and the legs to pivot.

Prototype

Camera Module

  • Bumper
  • Top cap
  • Camera+Controller
  • Motor
  • Camera housing
Camera Module. labeld top down. Bumper, top cap, Camera+Controller, Motor, Camera housing

Tripod Module

  • Main housing
  • Piston
  • Leg
  • Bottom cap
  • Bumper
Tripod Module. labeld top down. Main housing, Piston, Leg, Bottom cap, Bumper

Conclusion

The design of the Combat Cam meets the primary thresholds and some of the targets given in the performance review table. The most pertinent recommendation for future work (What's to Come) is the use ofan aluminum frame. This aluminum upgrade would strengthen the Combat Cam, increasing impact resistance, and serve to increase heat dissipation from the camera module.

What's to Come:

  • Infrared/Thermal vision
  • Aircraft deployment
  • Sound transmission
  • Gps location
  • Object/Person recognition
  • Aluminum frame
  • Self-destruct
  • Grenade launcherdeployment
  • Extended range

Lessons Learned:

  • 3D prints not meant to be thrown
  • Early failure is good
  • Document everything in the moment
  • Try lots of ideas (more than one solution)