Inspiration
Networked cameras can allow us to remotely view the world around us, and the ESP-32 camera board provides a very simple and inexpensive method of doing this.
When booted with an example video server code, this camera can be viewed via a web link anywhere in the world, enabling easy remote viewing, along with facial recognition and machine vision capabilities.
This offers the ability to create very inexpensive drones and remote camera systems.
However, I could not find any rugged or water resistant cases for this development board, restricting it to indoor use, so I decided to create My own.
Development and Prototyping
Ideation
First I set about designing the basic form of the device. initially, I planned on using a rectangular design, but then realized I would have to fabricate a rectangular gasket to prevent water ingress.
Rubber O-rings provide a ready made gasket, and a screw cap type closure built into the housing would minimize the amount of hardware required, as well as provide compression of the O-ring, swashing it into a seal to prevent water ingress.
Along with these features, i wanted the case to mount and interface with standard gopro mounting hardware, allowing it to be easily deployed in a variety of settings.
The to cap screws into place on a 3d printed thread, with space at the bottom for the O rubber O- ring. The ESP is then placed into the case.
The ESP's camera is sealed by a clear plastic cover, sealed in place with two part epoxy for strength and waterproofing.
Assembly
CAD Modeling
After iterating on the basic design of the housing, I began modeling in fusion for 3D printing.
The ESP slots into a shaped cutout in the base of the case, while a power port at the rear of the case accommodates a waterproof USB C plug. When the lid is screwed into place, the ESP is held in place by a large pin in the cap, pressing it into the case, preventing movement while allowing for easy acess.
When screwed shut, the O-ring is compressed, ensuring a water resistant seal, while the camera has a Gopro compatible mount screwed into the base for flexible mounting.
The ESP camera slides into a slot that locates it directly in front of the camera window when the esp is held in place, ensuring a clear view.
Camera Retention
3D Printing, Assembly and Testing
After The housing design is complete, I tested the case with a garden hose to confirm the waterproofing had worked, this was a success.
