Edge-Mounted Camera Recess for Thin Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices face challenges in providing a high-quality camera solution that is both thin and robust, as thinner bezels compromise camera quality, and existing camera placements can lead to stress on the display panel during device transitions.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly is mounted to the edge of the housing with a recess and protective layer, allowing for a thicker camera unit that distributes stress and provides enhanced camera quality without increasing the device's thickness, featuring a protective layer that covers the camera aperture and extends into the recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the bezel is made thinner to maintain a sleek design, then the device thickness is reduced, but the camera quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly is moved from a conventional planar placement to a three-dimensional configuration by extending it along the Z-axis (depth direction) with a protrusion. This allows the camera to achieve sufficient aperture size and optical quality without increasing the device's front-facing thickness, as the camera structure utilizes the depth dimension rather than competing for lateral bezel space.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is nested within a recess in the housing structure. The protrusion containing the camera aperture is positioned within a corresponding recess, allowing the camera to be integrated into the device body without adding external bulk. This nesting approach enables the camera to maintain its structural integrity and optical quality while fitting within the overall device thickness constraints.
2Manufacturing precision
If the camera assembly is made thicker to improve quality, then the camera aperture size increases, but the device becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly utilizes the depth dimension (Z-axis) to accommodate its protrusion, allowing it to achieve the necessary thickness for quality optics without increasing the device's front-facing profile. The camera structure extends inward along the depth direction rather than outward, maintaining a sleek external appearance while providing internal space for high-quality camera components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure incorporates a localized recess specifically positioned to receive the camera assembly protrusion. This localized structural modification provides the necessary space for the camera to achieve optimal quality without requiring a general increase in device thickness. The recess is precisely positioned and dimensioned to accommodate only the camera assembly, allowing other device components to maintain their original design specifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If the camera is positioned on the edge to improve quality, then the aperture is larger, but stress concentrates on the display panel during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a recess area that receives the camera assembly protrusion, and a display panel area. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned in a dedicated zone that is structurally separated from the display panel, enabling the camera to achieve optimal quality without directly compromising the display panel's structural integrity during device transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the housing structure serves as a pre-designed cushioning zone that absorbs and distributes mechanical stress before it can reach the display panel. When the device undergoes transitions or mechanical stress, the recess structure provides a buffer that protects the display panel from direct contact with forces that would otherwise concentrate on the camera assembly and potentially damage the display.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device can include a processor; memory accessible to the processor; a display panel operatively coupled to the processor; a housing that includes a protective layer that covers the display panel; and a camera assembly mounted to an edge of the housing, where the camera assembly includes a camera, a camera aperture and a recess, where the protective layer covers the camera aperture and extends into the recess.