Dual-Hinge Rotating Camera Mechanism for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses with rotatable cameras lack the ability to efficiently change shooting directions and modes, such as selfie and confronting modes, while maintaining a compact and operable design.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes a main camera and a sub-camera mounted on a rotatable mechanism with a hinge unit, allowing the sub-camera to change its shooting direction in two axial directions and tilt, enabling various shooting modes with a liquid crystal monitor for image overlay and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable camera mechanism is added to enable multiple shooting modes, then the versatility of the imaging apparatus is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hinge structure where a second hinge unit (for tilting) is integrated within the first hinge unit (for rotation). The second hinge unit is rotatably supported by the first hinge unit, creating a compact double-hinge mechanism that enables both rotation and tilting functions without requiring separate mechanical assemblies, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge units are designed to serve multiple functions: the first hinge unit enables both rotation for mode switching and supports the second hinge unit for tilting operations. This multi-functional design allows a single mechanical assembly to provide both rotational and tilting capabilities, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable camera mechanism is added to enable multiple shooting modes, then the versatility of the imaging apparatus is improved, but the size of the imaging unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested hinge configuration allows the tilting mechanism (second hinge) to be housed within the rotational mechanism (first hinge), creating a space-efficient arrangement that minimizes the volume occupied by the movable imaging unit while enabling complex motion patterns for versatile shooting modes
3Ease of operation
If the camera can rotate in two axial directions, then the ease of operation for different shooting modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation and tilting functions into a single integrated hinge assembly. The first hinge unit provides rotation while simultaneously supporting the second hinge unit that provides tilting, allowing both degrees of freedom to be controlled from a unified mechanical structure rather than separate mechanisms, thus improving operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge units are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow smooth rotation and tilting movements. The mechanical design enables continuous motion control in both rotational and tilting directions, providing flexible and easy operation for switching between different shooting modes without rigid constraints
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a main body, first camera fixedly arranged on the main body, an opening-closing unit provided rotatably with respect to the main body via a first hinge unit, a second camera mounted on the opposite side of the opening-closing unit from the first hinge unit, and a second hinge unit for rotatably supporting the imaging direction of the second camera. A body surface of the second camera is uneven, and the rotation direction of the first hinge unit and the rotation direction of the second hinge unit are the same rotation direction at the time of starting shooting with the second camera.