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Inspection camera support
A longer reach without losing a steady view.
Individual course design study · Spring 2026
The challenge
A bench inspection station needed a camera to reach 600 mm over a small assembly without blocking the operator’s hands. I explored the arm geometry and mounting interfaces, with a focus on stiffness and adjustment access.
The decision
I compared a shallow section, a deeper section, and a diagonal brace. The brace occupied the work envelope and added another joint. I selected the deeper section for further development because it increased bending stiffness while keeping the underside open.
The evidence
Using a 10 N tip load, a 0.6 m reach, and an elastic modulus of 69 GPa, I calculated deflection with δ = FL³ / (3EI). The baseline I of 1.74 × 10⁻⁹ m⁴ gives approximately 6.0 mm; doubling I to 3.48 × 10⁻⁹ m⁴ gives approximately 3.0 mm. The values describe a sample calculation; the photograph is visual context only. These are modeled values, not physical test measurements.
The outcome
The study produced a section recommendation, an interface checklist, and a test plan. The next step would be to measure tip motion under load and check clamp slip before committing to a final section.
What I learned
A stiffer beam is only part of the system. Clamp compliance, mount flex, and vibration must be tested separately.