Matt Underwood
Product Design
Final year project
Portable Cable Camera [Read more]
Portable Cable Camera Prototype
A cable camera is an accessory used to create smooth and unique video footage not possible with other means. It is a remotely controlled device that travels along a cable tied between two fixed points. Whilst it can produce similar shots to a drone, it has a few advantages, the main one being the ability to be used safely indoors or near people. Its simple back and forth motion means it is a safe and easy, one-man operated device. With a top speed of 17mph, it's great for catching action shots whilst the timelapse mode can provide stunning videos.
Exploded Prototype CAD View
Being a dynamic product, there were lots of design considerations to be made. The unit needed to have a low centre of gravity to increase stability whilst also ensuring the CoG and any camera mounts are in the same vertical plane as the drive wheels. Keeping the product compact was also a priority not only for portability but also so the cable cam can fit through tight spaces.
Folding Arms
The arms provide great lateral stability and their ability to fold against the body means the cable cam is portable and will easily fit into a backpack or travel case. The safety carabiner is quick to attach to the line and ensures if any mishaps were to happen, no damage will occur to your camera equipment or the surroundings.
Internals
The prototype casing was designed with injection moulding and assembly in mind. The ribs are added for strength, particularly between the arm pivot points and the main spindle bearings where the most force is experienced. Precise tolerancing was also needed to ensure vibrations were kept to a minimum and that the drive wheel provided smooth and steady motion. Good CAD geometry was also required to make sure the unit was as compact as possible, and that there was enough strength so this prototype could support up to 1.5kg.
Compact Cross Section
The narrow profile means that the cable cam can pass through unimaginable spaces - please see the video of this prototype travelling through a car window. A common scenario of use is filming mountain bikers or skiers through wooded areas. The 2200mAh battery provides hours worth of use and is replaceable for long shoots.
USP
This prototype features multiple mounting points all around the unit - this makes attaching microphones or extra batteries a doddle. This design also has three other 'new to the market' features, one being the proven ability to travel up and down near-vertical lines.
Design Week
With the increase in home gyms over lockdown, the brief was to design a product that can enhance fitness by blending it into the home, using a brand as inspiration for the product. My solution was a range of handles that would screw onto specially designed 5L water containers, with the option to cast your own concrete weights with the addition of a threaded bar.
Red Rose in Oak
I turned this wooden rose in 2018 and won the AWGB Junior Turning Competition. I enjoy experimenting with turning green timber and have produced other flower varieties.
Matt Underwood
I have a very hands on approach to design and I'm interested in the functionality and mechanical side of products.
The main aim of my final year project was to make a fully functioning prototype that would be as close as possible to a commercial version. I like to physically test and most importantly prove concepts. I am down to earth and entrepreneurial in nature. Whilst I am always keeping busy, I pride myself on working smart and getting things done.
Final year project
Portable Cable Camera
Work Experience
I spent my placement year on the "Year in Enterprise" scheme starting my business The Famous Tree Company, and also working on my woodturning business, Underwood Turning. I have since kept my Etsy shop and YouTube channel going and have made a revenue of over £10k during my final year.