Camera Module with Movable Optical Housing for Telephoto Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules in portable devices face challenges in achieving telephoto imaging due to size constraints, as the distance between the lens and image sensor is limited by the device's thickness, making it difficult to incorporate imaging optical systems with long focal lengths.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a first housing with an image sensor and a second housing containing an imaging optical system, where the second housing can be moved relative to the first housing to vary the focal length, allowing for telephoto imaging by adjusting the overall length of the camera module, and an electronic device with a display member that can change size to accommodate the camera module's varying length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the distance from the lens to the image sensor is increased to achieve long focal length imaging, then telephoto imaging capability is improved, but the thickness of the portable terminal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is divided into two separate housings: a first housing containing the image sensor and a second housing containing the imaging optical system. This segmentation allows the optical system to be positioned in a second body that can move relative to the first body, enabling focal length adjustment without increasing the overall thickness of the portable terminal when the components are in their retracted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing containing the imaging optical system is designed to be movable relative to the first housing. The focal length of the imaging optical system can be varied by moving the second housing along the optical axis direction. This dynamic configuration allows the system to achieve long focal length telephoto imaging when needed while maintaining a compact form factor when the second housing is retracted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module length is adjusted to vary focal length, then telephoto imaging capability is improved, but the device structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second housing containing the imaging optical system is disposed inside the first housing in a retracted state, similar to a nested doll configuration. This nesting approach allows the camera module to maintain a compact form factor while still accommodating the components needed for focal length adjustment, reducing overall structural complexity compared to external extension mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable second housing serves multiple functions: it contains the imaging optical system, provides the mechanism for focal length adjustment, and when retracted, maintains the compact form factor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables telephoto imaging capabilities in portable devices by allowing the camera module to adjust its length and focal length, enhancing imaging performance without increasing the device's thickness or size.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system focusing the optical signal on the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first optical path conversion member converting a path of light incident in an opening of the second housing to the imaging optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module having a first housing including an image sensor converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, and a second housing including an imaging optical system focusing the optical signal on the image sensor and a first optical path conversion member disposed on an object-side surface of the imaging optical system and converting an optical path, and carried into or carried out of the first housing in a state of being coupled to the first housing.