Camera Bumper Structure for Cushioned Lateral Platform Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small form factor cameras face challenges in cushioning lateral movement, which can lead to undesirable collisions with stationary structures, potentially damaging the camera and impacting performance and user experience, due to lack of effective shock absorption and electrostatic charge mitigation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of bumper arrangements, such as spring bumpers and tabs, that cushion lateral movement by engaging and deflecting when a stroke threshold is reached, reducing the risk of collision and electrostatic charge accumulation through strategic material selection and design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the moveable platform is designed without bumper arrangements, then the camera structure remains simple and compact, but lateral movement can cause collisions with the stationary structure, leading to damage and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidbumper arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper arrangement including the bumper and tab is pre-installed on the moveable platform to cushion lateral movement before collision occurs. The bumper extends toward the stationary structure and the tab deflects upon reaching a stroke threshold, absorbing impact energy in advance and preventing direct collision between the moveable platform and stationary structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The tab is designed as a flexible element that can deflect when lateral movement reaches a stroke threshold. This flexible component absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation, preventing rigid collision and reducing electrostatic charge accumulation while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bumper arrangements are added to cushion lateral movement, then collision risk is reduced, but the camera device becomes more complex and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral shock impactVSAvoidcamera device volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper arrangement is segmented into distinct functional components: the bumper for primary shock absorption and the tab for secondary deflection and electrostatic mitigation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bumper arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: cushioning lateral shocks, preventing collision with the stationary structure, reducing electrostatic charge accumulation, and maintaining a compact form factor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the moveable platform moves freely without cushioning, then the camera operation is smooth and responsive, but electrostatic charge accumulates during lateral movement, potentially damaging components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera responsivenessVSAvoidelectrostatic charge buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper and tab act as intermediary elements between the moveable platform and the stationary structure. During lateral movement, these components provide controlled contact points that dissipate electrostatic charge through material selection and design, preventing charge accumulation while maintaining smooth camera operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The bumper arrangements effectively absorb lateral shocks, prevent collisions, and reduce electrostatic charge buildup, enhancing camera performance and user experience by ensuring smooth operation and reducing the likelihood of damage.

Implementation Method 1

a spring attached to an outer surface of the moveable platform; the protrusion to engage the spring when a lateral movement stroke of the moveable platform reaches a stroke threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a tab formed from the moveable platform, wherein the tab is configured to deflect towards the lens group when a lateral movement stroke of the moveable platform exceeds a stroke threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasticity: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11647264B2Camera with bumper for cushioning lateral movement

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 APPLE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments include a camera having one or more bumper arrangements to cushion lateral movement of one or more camera components. In some embodiments, the bumper arrangement(s) may cushion lateral movement of a moveable platform as the moveable platform approaches a stationary structure. According to some embodiments, the bumper arrangement(s) may include one or more bumper features attached to (and/or defined by) the moveable platform and/or the stationary structure.