Articulating Camera Support for Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices shrink in size, there is a challenge in accommodating feature-rich cameras with adjustable orientations and alignments, which are typically fixed in conventional bezel positions, limiting their flexibility and functionality for enhanced features like 3D scanning and gesture detection.
Innovation Solution
An articulating camera support system with a base and main leg that moves along translation and rotational paths, allowing the camera to be positioned in various orientations such as birds-eye, frontal, and intermediate views, enabling flexible alignment and enhanced camera functionality within compact device housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are positioned fixedly within the bezel, then the device structure is simple, but the camera flexibility and adaptability for enhanced features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an articulating support mechanism that allows the camera to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The support includes a base that slides along a translation path and a main leg that rotates along a rotational path, enabling the camera to move between multiple active positions (frontal view, birds-eye view, intermediate positions) rather than being fixed in a single position. This dynamic positioning capability provides camera flexibility for enhanced features while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced, then the portability is improved, but the space available for accommodating feature-rich cameras is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating support mechanism is designed to nest within the device housing when not in use. The base retracts into a cavity in the housing, and the main leg folds back against the housing back wall. This nested configuration minimizes the space required within the device, allowing compact device design while still accommodating feature-rich cameras with multiple sensors and lenses when the camera is deployed to its active positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are fixed in bezel positions, then the manufacturing is simple, but the alignment flexibility for different camera positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating support provides adjustable alignment through controlled motion along defined paths. The base slides along a translation path and the main leg rotates along a rotational path, both with predetermined ranges of motion that can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This approach provides alignment flexibility for different camera positions (frontal, birds-eye, intermediate) without requiring complex custom manufacturing, as the adjustment is achieved through mechanical motion rather than precision positioning of fixed components.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments herein an electronic device is provided comprising a housing, a display, and a camera assembly including a camera and an articulating support that includes a base and a main leg joined to the base. The base and main leg movably coupled to the housing wherein movement of the articulating support defines camera alignment paths followed by the camera when moving between a retracted position and active positions.