Flash Isolation Mechanism for Smartphone Camera Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphone and handheld devices with cameras and flashes often suffer from optical reflections due to the close proximity of these components, leading to image artifacts and interference, especially when the device has a translucent outer case that allows light to propagate and cause reflections.
Innovation Solution
A light-absorbing isolation mechanism is integrated into a protective cover near the camera and flash, which can be conformable or separately added, to absorb and minimize optical reflections, using dark-colored materials and various manufacturing methods such as molding or adhesion, ensuring effective light absorption without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a translucent outer case is used for the device, then aesthetics and modern design are improved, but optical reflections and light interference are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding light-absorbing material specifically in the area surrounding the camera lens and flash, while maintaining the translucent property of the rest of the outer case. This localized treatment eliminates optical reflections only where they interfere with the camera, preserving the overall aesthetic appeal of the translucent design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-absorbing material acts as an intermediary between the translucent outer case and the camera components. It absorbs stray light and reflections before they can reach the camera sensor, thereby mediating the optical interference problem while allowing the translucent case to maintain its aesthetic function.
2Area of stationary object
If the flash and camera are placed close together on the device, then device compactness is improved, but optical interference and image artifacts are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the close proximity issue by applying local quality through a light-absorbing barrier positioned specifically between the flash and camera. This localized intervention prevents reflections and light interference in the critical zone between these components, allowing them to remain close together for compactness without causing image artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful reflections and stray light from the optical path by introducing a light-absorbing material that captures these unwanted light paths. This extraction of harmful optical elements allows the flash and camera to be positioned close together without the reflections causing image artifacts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-absorbing isolation mechanism is added to the cover, then optical interference is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing steps are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-absorbing isolation mechanism with the protective cover as a single integrated component. The light-absorbing material is either molded into the cover during manufacturing or attached as an integral part, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity despite adding optical interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is given multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection and simultaneously incorporates light-absorbing properties to eliminate optical interference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving both protection and optical isolation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If dark-colored light-absorbing material is used near the camera, then optical reflections are minimized, but manufacturing precision and alignment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-absorbing material with the cover structure through co-molding or integral attachment, which eliminates the need for precise post-manufacturing alignment. The material is positioned correctly during the primary manufacturing process, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to separate assembly approaches.
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 solution significantly reduces optical interference and image artifacts by absorbing reflected light, providing clear and artifact-free images even in devices with optically conductive skins, while maintaining protection and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
A light-absorbing isolation mechanism is integrated into a protective cover near the camera and flash, which can be conformable or separately added, to absorb and minimize optical reflections
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a camera device with a flash may incorporate a light absorbing isolation mechanism in areas near the flash and camera. In some cases, the isolation mechanism may be conformable to press against the camera device, or may come in partial contact or no contact with the device in the area of the flash and camera. The isolation mechanism may be formed as part of a cover, or may be a second component that may be added to a cover in various designs. The isolation mechanism may operate with devices that have a glass or other translucent outer case, as well as those devices without such an outer case.