Tapo C110 design problems
PROBLEM 1: BALL JOINT (see video)
I have two C110, both have the same problem. The ball joint has a cylindrical piece of rubber that creates friction to ensure the camera doesn't move. However, as the joint is adjusted, the rubber piece runs past some sharp edges on the top part of the base, and every time it does that the sharp edge chips away bits of rubber. Just now I was adjusting the camera angle and noticed white bits of "stuff" falling from the camera. This is unfortunately a bad design. The rubber should have been on the fixed half of the joint, not on the ball, this way it would be impossible for any sharp edges to contact the rubber.
So, in the current design, the rubber is attached to the ball. In an better design, the rubber would be attached to the base socket, this way the rubber would never be in contact with any sharp edges. The diagram below shows the current (bad) design:
And here is a better design, with the rubber attached to the fixed base:
Here are photos of the sharp edges:
As the rubber runs past the sharp edge when the camera is set in the position parallel to the base (base attached to wall and camera parallel to wall), the rubber gets pinched and small pieces of rubber chip away. If the camera position is adjusted regularly, the rubber quickly degrades, as shown below:
Here are some photos of the rubber being pinched:
To change the design now is probably not an option because the camera has already gone into production, however, these suggestions should be taken into consideration for future models.
I was able to resolve this problem using a small round needle file to file off the sharp edges, and now the rubber no longer gets pinched, however, my camera's rubber is already damaged from the time I used it before I noticed this problem.
QUESTION: Would it be possible for Tapo supply to me two spare rubber parts so I can replace the damaged ones?
DESIGN PROBLEM 2: Cable connector (see video)
When the camera is pointed towards the surface it is mounted on, the DC connector interferes with the base. This is very annoying. I have tried a third-party L-shaped adapter but the diameter is too large to fit in the connector opening, so it is no good. It would be nice if Tapo could supply this product with a suitable L-shaped adapter, or make the base pillar a little longer to allow enough room for the connector:
PROBLEM 3: Front panel scratches too easily
The C110 dark front panel is made of a material that scratches too easily. Meanwhile, the main case (the white part) is made of a very tough and durable plastic. Please make the front panel of a similar material. I know the infrared light needs to shine through and that's why a semi-transparent plastic is used, but either use a tougher/matte finish on the plastic, or use the same plastic as the rest of the product and make two small ports for the IR light to shine through:
PROBLEM 4: Planned obsolescence
Please make the camera easier to disassemble. The main body of the camera clicks together and it is very difficutly to take apart if servicing or maintenance is required. I know the camera is not designed to be serviced by users but some of us who have an electronics background or knowledge would welcome the use of screws. Thank you.