Ventilation Member in Camera Module Housing for Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The design of ventilation holes in camera modules is limited by the dense arrangement of lenses, flash units, and microphone holes, making it difficult to achieve required ventilation performance without compromising the aesthetics of the electronic device.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a ventilation member within the housing of the electronic device, which includes a receiving hole for external devices and a through-hole fluidically connecting the receiving hole and the inner space, allowing for optimized ventilation performance without visible ventilation holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ventilation holes are formed in the housing to maintain pressure equilibrium, then ventilation performance is improved, but the aesthetics of the electronic device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation performanceVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation function is extracted from the main housing body and relocated to the camera module. The through-hole is formed in the camera module's lens barrel, separating the ventilation function from the housing's aesthetic surface. This allows the housing to maintain its appearance while the camera module provides the necessary ventilation pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation hole is nested within the camera module structure, specifically in the lens barrel that protrudes from the housing. This nested arrangement allows the ventilation opening to be hidden within an existing structural element, maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance while providing the required ventilation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If ventilation holes are formed in the camera module, then ventilation performance is improved, but the design flexibility is limited due to dense arrangement of lenses, flash, and microphone holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation performanceVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation hole is positioned on the lateral surface of the lens barrel rather than on the top or front surfaces where lenses, flash, and microphone holes are densely arranged. This utilization of the lateral dimension provides an additional design space that is not constrained by the dense arrangement of other components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is segmented into multiple functional regions, with the ventilation function assigned to the lens barrel structure. This segmentation allows the ventilation hole to be independently positioned and sized without interfering with the arrangement of lenses, flash, and microphone holes in other regions of the camera module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving hole is designed to accommodate external devices, then adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving hole in the lens barrel serves multiple functions: it provides a pathway for ventilation, accommodates the protruding portion of external devices, and maintains the structural integrity of the camera module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation pathway and the device accommodation function are merged into a single structural feature - the receiving hole in the lens barrel. This merging eliminates the need for separate ventilation openings and device receptacles, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances ventilation performance flexibility while maintaining the device's aesthetics, reducing manufacturing costs, and simplifying the manufacturing process by allowing for optimized design of the through-hole based on required ventilation needs.

Implementation Method 1

a through-hole that fluidically connects the receiving hole and the inner space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid connection:

Data Source

PatentEP4297542B1Housing having ventilation member arranged therein, and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4297542B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4297542B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4297542B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may comprise: a housing which forms the side surface and inner space of the electronic device; and a ventilation member, wherein: an opening disposed at the side surface, an accommodation hole extending from the opening so as to allow an external device to be accommodated therein, and a through-hole through which the accommodation hole communicates with the inner space are formed in the housing; and the ventilation member is arranged in the housing to cover the through-hole. Various other embodiments understood through the specification are also possible.