Camera Module Nesting in Electronic Device Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules in electronic devices occupy significant space, limiting the device's thickness and potential for improved optical quality.

Innovation Solution

The camera module is positioned at least partially within a cavity defined by the outer cover of the electronic device, allowing for a space-efficient arrangement that reduces the overall thickness and enables the inclusion of larger or additional optical elements for enhanced image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the camera module is positioned within a cavity defined by the outer cover, then the overall thickness of the electronic device is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need to define precise cavities and accommodate additional optical elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of electronic deviceVSAvoidstructural complexity of camera module integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is positioned at least partially within a cavity defined by the outer cover, nesting the camera components within the existing device structure. This reduces the overall thickness by utilizing the cavity space rather than adding external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is oriented such that its optical axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electronic device, transitioning from a conventional perpendicular arrangement. This dimensional reorientation allows the camera module to fit within the device thickness constraints while maintaining optical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the camera module is positioned within a cavity, then space efficiency is improved and device thickness is reduced, but the precision requirements for positioning and optical alignment increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by camera moduleVSAvoidpositioning precision of camera module
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity is pre-defined in the outer cover during manufacturing, establishing a predetermined positioning structure before the camera module is installed. This preliminary preparation facilitates accurate placement and reduces the precision requirements during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The outer cover serves as an intermediary structure that defines the cavity and provides a reference framework for positioning the camera module. This intermediary structure simplifies the precision requirements by providing a stable, pre-manufactured mounting interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If larger or additional optical elements are included to enhance image quality, then the optical performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease of camera module
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Additional optical elements are incorporated within the existing cavity space, nesting them among the camera module components. This allows enhanced optical performance without requiring external additions that would complicate manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical elements are integrated into the camera module assembly, merging their functions with the existing camera components. This consolidation simplifies manufacturing by treating the optical elements as part of the standard camera module rather than separate additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11032450B2Camera module mounting in an electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 GOOGLE LLC
  • US11032450B2 patent drawing
  • US11032450B2 patent drawing
  • US11032450B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device including a camera module is provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a display device, a housing including an outer cover, and a camera module including an image sensor, a camera module circuit board, and an optical element. The outer cover defines a cavity, and the camera module is positioned at least partially within the cavity.