Wiper Module for Outdoor Housings

Abstract: This report describes the product development process of a new product series of camera housings, adapted for modular applications. The purpose of the project was to develop a module containing a wiper, adapted for outdoor camera housings. The master thesis was performed at Axis Communications AB, a leading company in the surveillance camera industry. The camera housings of outdoor surveillance cameras vary with several factors as they implicate different purposes, appearances, requirements and conditions. The products are designed to work in various weather conditions and at the same time meet the customers' stringent requirements. An issue facing all outdoor cameras is that water, snow, dirt or dust can stick to the screen which reduce the visibility and capability of monitoring. Many ways to remove water have been tested and the most reliable way is with a wiper. Available products with wipers today are integrated, which does not enable the customer to add it afterwards. Generally, most product functions are integrated and packaged as one uniform product which makes production time-consuming and costly when new customer needs have to be met. One way to solve this could be by creating modules which would be designed, added and modified as wished. The advanced and high-quality cameras at Axis comprise many important functions that must be considered when developing a new camera house. Throughout the project, design, contacting and communication interface have been important factors when choosing the best concept. The work has resulted in a concept that consists of three main parts, a housing body, a module and a mounting part. The dissertation consists of the entire development process, which should be used as a pre-study of possible concepts for further development. The result shows that a product line with modular design is possible to develop and a relevant future product for the Axis portfolio.