Telescopic Camera Optics with Rotary-Linear Extension Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic camera optics for electronic devices, such as smartphones, are bulky, require additional structural reinforcement, and suffer from unwanted clearances, compromising durability and mechanical impact resistance.

Innovation Solution

An optical arrangement with a first and second optics group defining an optical axis, utilizing an actuating unit with an actuator and retaining elements that convert rotational movement into translatory movement, ensuring fast, impact-resistant operation without clearances, and maintaining resilient element efficiency over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a camera module is integrated into a display module to form a display assembly, then the overall device structure becomes more compact and integration is improved, but the display module can no longer be separately replaced or upgraded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintegrationVSAvoidreplaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the camera module into separable components: the first lens assembly that remains integrated with the display module, and the second lens assembly that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the display module to maintain compact integration while enabling selective replacement of the second lens assembly for upgrades or repairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a movable support structure that allows the second lens assembly to be dynamically positioned between an installed state (integrated with the display module) and a removed state (separated for replacement). This dynamic mechanism enables the system to transition between integrated and replaceable configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the distance between the display module and camera module is reduced for compactness, then device size is minimized, but optical performance deteriorates due to insufficient light transmission distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoptical performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a foldable optical path using a reflective member (mirror) that redirects light at an angle, effectively increasing the optical transmission distance within a reduced physical space. This allows sufficient light path length for optimal optical performance while maintaining compact device dimensions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests the reflective member within the compact space between the display module and camera module, creating a folded optical path that maximizes the use of available space. This nested configuration enables longer optical paths without increasing the overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the optical path is extended to improve optical performance, then light transmission is enhanced, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performanceVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective member redirects the optical path in a different spatial dimension, creating a folded configuration that extends the light transmission distance without increasing the linear dimensions of the device. This allows improved optical performance within compact device volume.

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

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

The solution provides a compact, durable, and reliable optical system with precise movement, eliminating unwanted clearances and ensuring long-term resilience of the resilient elements.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective member configured to reflect incident light toward the imaging sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4594820B1Optical arrangement for electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4594820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4594820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4594820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical arrangement (1) comprising a base (10), a first optics group (3), an actuator (6), and a first retaining element (7) moving in response to rotation of said actuator (6). The base (10) maintains said first retaining element (7) in a first rotary position (R1), such that said actuator (6) rotation converts to movement of said first retaining element (7) from a first linear position (L1) to a second linear position (L2) along an optical axis (A1). The base (10) disengages said first retaining element (7) when reaching said second linear position (L2), such that said actuator (6) rotation rotates said first retaining element (7) to a second rotary position (R2) in which said first retaining element (7) can return to said first linear position (L1) by decompression of a resilient element (9), moving said first optics group (3) from a retracted position (P1) to an extended position (P2).