Camera Shutter Mechanism Using Heat-Shrinkable Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices with built-in cameras face privacy concerns due to the need for manual operation of camera covers, which can be cumbersome and lead to forgotten states, potentially allowing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A shutter mechanism with a plate that moves between shielding and non-shielding positions, driven by heat-shrinkable wires and springs, allowing automatic operation and ensuring the camera lens is protected without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual camera cover is used to physically cover the camera, then privacy protection is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to the need for manual sliding and setting
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism automatically opens and closes without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously determines when to open or close the shutter based on camera usage states, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining reliable privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual sliding cover system with an automated system that uses a drive mechanism (motor or solenoid) controlled by a control unit. This substitution transforms the manual operation into an automated process, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Strength
If a manual camera cover is used, then physical shielding capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to user forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors camera usage states and automatically controls the shutter opening/closing based on this feedback. This ensures the shutter is consistently in the correct state without relying on user memory, thereby maintaining both shielding capability and reliable consistent protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously manages the shutter state based on camera usage conditions, eliminating human error and forgetfulness. The control unit continuously monitors and adjusts the shutter position, ensuring consistent protection while maintaining the physical shielding capability of the original design.
3Ease of operation
If an automated shutter mechanism is introduced, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compact drive mechanism (motor or solenoid) and control unit that integrate with the existing camera housing. This substitution provides automation while keeping the added complexity minimal through careful design and integration of the driving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: monitoring camera usage states, determining shutter operation timing, and controlling the drive mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automation.
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 automates the camera cover's operation, reducing user burden and ensuring consistent privacy protection by automatically opening and closing the camera lens, thereby minimizing concerns about unauthorized filming or suspicion of secret photography.
Implementation Method 1
a first wire that is a heat-shrinkable wire whose one end is connected to the first operation lever, and thermally shrinks to thereby drive the first operation lever
Implementation Method 2
a first spring that is connected to the plate, and stretches with movement of the plate from the first position to the second position, to thereby produce a biasing force in a direction of moving the plate back to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus equipped with a camera includes a shutter mechanism which includes: a plate that is installed so as to be able to move between a first position shielding a lens of a camera from light and a second position not shielding the lens of the camera from light; and a control unit that controls electric power from a power unit that causes a first wire or a second wire to thermally shrink. The plate is moved from the first position to the second position by the first operation lever, and, when the plate is in the second position, causes the second wire to thermally shrink to thereby drive a second operation lever, so that the plate is moved from the second position to the first position by a biasing force of a first spring.