Electrochromic Glass Shutter Eliminates Mechanical Camera Privacy Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical privacy shutters in information handling systems, used for video conferencing, often fail due to precision requirements and are costly to manufacture, and can become dislodged or malfunction when the system is bumped or dropped.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic glass shutter is integrated into the information handling system, which can be controlled to change from translucent to opaque by applying voltage, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and providing a secure and reliable privacy solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical privacy shutter is used to block the camera view, then the privacy function is achieved, but the device becomes complex and prone to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electrochromic glass layer that changes optical properties when voltage is applied. This eliminates moving parts, mechanical complexity, and associated reliability issues while maintaining the privacy blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochromic glass layer changes its optical transmission parameter from transparent to opaque when voltage is applied, providing the privacy function without mechanical movement. This parameter change approach eliminates the need for mechanical components entirely.
2Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical privacy shutter is used, then the shutter can physically block the camera, but manufacturing costs increase due to precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical shutter with an electrochromic glass layer, the patent eliminates the need for precision mechanical components. The electrochromic layer can be manufactured as a thin film without the tight tolerances and precision assembly required for mechanical shutters, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical privacy shutter is used, then the shutter can be controlled to block the camera, but the shutter may become dislodged or malfunction when the system is bumped or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic glass layer is a solid-state component with no moving parts that can be dislodged or mechanically damaged by impacts. When the system is bumped or dropped, the electrochromic layer remains stable and functional, unlike mechanical shutters that may become misaligned or broken.
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 electrochromic glass shutter effectively blocks the camera's view without moving parts, ensuring user privacy and reducing manufacturing costs, while being resistant to mechanical failures and system shocks.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochromic glass layer is operatively coupled to the power circuit to receive a voltage in order to change the opacity or transparency of the electrochromic glass layer
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor, a memory device, a power management unit (PMU), and a camera formed into a chassis of the information handling system. The camera may include a lens and an electronic image capture component, and an electrochromic glass shutter formed over the lens, the electrochromic glass shutter operatively coupled to a circuit switch to receive a voltage to change the opacity of the electrochromic glass shutter, the circuit switch operatively coupled to and controlled by an embedded controller.