Camera and TOF Sensor Shielding Structure with Elastic Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with TOF sensors face challenges in protecting user privacy when the camera is not in use, as the shield cover only covers the camera, leaving the TOF sensor exposed, which can interfere with signal transmission and reception, affecting distance measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A shielding structure with a base, shutter, and barrier that can be moved to cover both the camera and TOF sensor, using an elastic member to deform and create space for the shutter to pass through, ensuring the TOF sensor's signal is not blocked by the glass edge, and includes features like hooks and guiding slants for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the shield cover only covers the camera, then the camera is protected, but the TOF sensor is exposed and can be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera shield and TOF sensor shield into a single integrated shielding structure. The shield includes a camera shielding portion and a TOF sensor shielding portion that work together as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate shield covers and reducing overall structural complexity while protecting both sensors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it protects the camera from light interference, protects the TOF sensor from signal interference, and provides a unified structural solution. The single shield structure serves as both a camera shield and a TOF sensor shield, making it a multi-functional component that addresses multiple protection needs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shutter is moved to cover both camera and TOF sensor, then both sensors are protected, but the elastic member must be deformed to create space
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is pre-installed between the barrier and the base, acting as a cushioning element before the shutter movement occurs. When the shutter moves to cover the sensors, the elastic member deforms to absorb the impact and create necessary space, ensuring smooth operation and preventing mechanical interference between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary element between the rigid barrier and the base. It mediates the interaction between these components during shutter movement, allowing controlled deformation that facilitates smooth shutter operation while maintaining structural integrity and preventing direct rigid contact that would cause interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the barrier blocks the transmitter signal, then the TOF sensor is protected from interference, but the transmitter signal cannot reach the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed with selective blocking properties: it blocks light signals from reaching the camera sensor when not in use, while the TOF sensor remains exposed to receive external light signals. The shielding structure provides different levels of protection to different sensors - full blocking for the camera and no blocking for the TOF sensor - ensuring each sensor receives appropriate signal treatment for its function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structure is dynamic rather than static. The shutter can move between different positions: when moved to the first position, it blocks the camera; when moved to the second position, it allows the TOF sensor to function. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between different operational modes, ensuring reliable signal transmission to the TOF sensor when needed while protecting it from interference when not in use.
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
Effectively covers both the camera and TOF sensor, preventing signal interference and ensuring accurate distance measurement by blocking signals from the transmitter and allowing the TOF sensor to function correctly when needed.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is fixed on the base, when the shutter is moved to abut the barrier, the barrier is pushed to press the elastic member, wherein the elastic member is deformed allowing at least a portion of the shutter disposing and abutting on the barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A shielding structure may be applied on an electronic device. The electronic device includes a camera and a TOF sensor having a transmitter and a receiver. The shielding structure includes a base, a shutter movably connected with the base, and a barrier movably connected with the base. At least a part of the barrier is disposed between the transmitter and the receiver, and the barrier may block a signal transmitted by the transmitter. An elastic member is fixed on the base. When the shutter is moved to abut the barrier, the barrier is pushed to press the elastic member, wherein the elastic member is deformed allowing at least a portion of the shutter disposing and abutting on the barrier, and the camera and the TOF sensor may be covered by the shutter at the same time.