Camera Assembly Lens Barrel Collision Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size and protrusion of camera lenses in electronic devices, such as smartphones, lead to a higher likelihood of collision with the camera window during falls, causing damage and affecting image capture quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly design where the lens barrel and window structure are configured to collide first upon falling, preventing the lens and window from colliding, and incorporating actuators driven by a processor to adjust the lens position based on motion detection by a sensor module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the camera lens size is increased to improve imaging performance, then the image capture quality is improved, but the likelihood of collision with the window during falls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel is designed with a protruding structure that extends beyond the window in the falling direction. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that the lens barrel collides with the window first before the lens can collide with the window, preventing direct impact to the lens while maintaining the lens's imaging function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens protrudes more from the device surface to improve optical performance, then the imaging capability is enhanced, but the risk of collision with the window during falls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into two functional parts: the lens barrel which protrudes to maintain optical performance, and the window which remains fixed. The lens barrel's protruding portion acts as a sacrificial element that collides with the window first, separating the protective function from the imaging function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between the lens and window is reduced to minimize air gap, then the optical path is improved, but the lens is more vulnerable to collision damage during falls
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel's protruding structure serves as an intermediary protective element between the lens and the window. During normal operation, it maintains the small air gap for optimal optical performance. During falls, it acts as a mediator that absorbs the impact by colliding with the window first, protecting the lens from direct damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a housing including a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface, a camera module disposed at a position aligned with an opening formed in the first surface, a decorative member including a first portion connected to the first surface at a position at which the opening is formed and having a hollow, a second portion extending from the first portion and surrounding the hollow, and a window seated on the second portion, a processor, and a memory, wherein the camera module includes at least one lens, and a lens barrel including a cylindrical lower portion, an extension portion extending from the lower portion, and a cylindrical upper portion extending from the extension portion, and the distance from the lower portion to the first portion is smaller than the distance from the upper portion to the window.