Portable Device Camera Module Alignment Support Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face premature failure due to misalignment of operational components, such as camera modules, when subjected to drop events, as the precise assembly process fails to maintain alignment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of support structures like back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers to secure operational components within the device, ensuring they remain aligned and in place even after a drop event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precision fit assembly is used for operational components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to misalignment during drop events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing support structures (back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers) that are pre-installed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the operational components. These structures create a protective cushion that prevents misalignment during drop events, resolving the contradiction by maintaining both manufacturing precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple structural elements (metal back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers) that work together to provide both precision positioning and impact resistance. This composite approach allows the assembly to maintain manufacturing precision while gaining the reliability needed to withstand drop events.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operational components are included in the device, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases making alignment more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support structure into multiple independent components (back walls, trim structures, brace structures, and weld washers) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process, enabling the device to accommodate multiple operational components without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing support structures that serve multiple functions: back walls provide structural support and positioning, trim structures provide alignment references, brace structures provide mechanical reinforcement, and weld washers provide secure attachment. This multi-functionality allows the device to support various operational components (cameras, sensors, antennas) without requiring separate specialized structures for each, thereby managing complexity while enhancing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing member defining an external sidewall, a first glass cover and a second glass cover, where the second glass cover includes a first region having a first exterior surface, a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, where the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The portable electronic device further includes a first camera module disposed within the first opening, a second camera module disposed within the second opening, a strobe module disposed within the third opening, and a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover.