Thin Blade Open-Close Device for Camera Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera shutter mechanisms are not suitable for smaller electronic devices with limited space, as they cannot effectively prevent unintended image or video capturing by a camera lens in thinner designs.
Innovation Solution
A thin blade open-close device is designed to fit within limited spaces, featuring a base, cover plate, movable blade, actuator, and terminal plate, which moves the blade between closing and opening positions to control light access to the lens, preventing unintended image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional camera shutter is used, then image capturing can be prevented, but the device height increases and it cannot be incorporated in thinner electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a blade that can be independently moved to block the lens, an actuator positioned at the periphery to drive the blade, and a terminal plate for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned at the peripheral region rather than centrally, utilizing the lateral dimension of the device. The blade rotates about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis, moving from a radial position to cover the lens. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the height along the optical axis while maintaining the shutter function.
2Length of moving object
If the camera module is made thinner, then the electronic device becomes more compact, but space for a conventional shutter mechanism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection components (terminals) are extracted and integrated into the terminal plate, which is positioned at the peripheral region. This separates the electrical connection function from the central optical path area, allowing the shutter mechanism to be simplified and made more compact without compromising electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal plate serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections to the actuator, structurally supports the peripheral components, and helps define the housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall mechanism and reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If the blade is positioned closer to the lens, then privacy protection is improved, but the risk of defects during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that precisely positions the blade relative to the lens. The housing includes a blade chamber with specific dimensional relationships to the lens unit, ensuring the blade is positioned at the optimal location for privacy protection while maintaining manufacturability through standardized housing dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade chamber and associated structural features are pre-formed in the housing during housing manufacturing, establishing precise geometric relationships before assembly. This preliminary structuring ensures that when the blade and actuator are assembled, the blade is automatically positioned at the correct location and orientation, reducing assembly precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A thin blade open-close device is incorporated in a limited space. A blade open-close device includes a base located on a module board including a lens unit, a partition located opposite to the module board from the base, and a cover plate located opposite to the base from the partition. The partition and the cover plate each have an opening aligned with an optical axis of the lens unit. The blade open-close device includes a blade movable in X-direction in a blade chamber defined between the cover plate and the partition, an actuator that moves the blade between a closing position to cover the openings and an opening position to uncover the openings, and a terminal plate extending in Z-direction. The terminal plate electrically connected to the actuator includes connectors at its end adjacent to the module board to be electrically connected to contacts on the module board.