Electronic Device Flash Shutter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional xenon flashbulbs in electronic devices are bulky and aesthetically unappealing, while LED flash devices are small but unsightly, necessitating a compact and visually appealing illumination solution for digital image capture in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device is equipped with a camera module and a light source, such as a light-emitting diode, mounted under an inactive portion of the touch screen display, with a shutter mechanism using a movable silicon blade to conceal the light source when not in use, allowing for efficient illumination and cosmetic concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If xenon flashbulbs are used for illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but device size and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the conventional xenon flashbulb configuration and integrates it directly into the display assembly. The light source is positioned behind the display panel, separating the illumination function from the traditional flashbulb housing, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light source assembly with the display assembly by mounting the light source on the display module. This integration allows the illumination component to share space with the display, eliminating the need for separate flash housing and reducing device size.
2Volume of moving object
If LED light sources are used for illumination, then device size is reduced, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LED light source from visible positions and integrates it into the display assembly structure. By placing the light source behind the display panel and using the display assembly as housing, the unsightly LED component is concealed while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly serves as an intermediary structure that conceals the LED light source. The display panel and its housing act as mediators between the user's visual field and the light source, allowing the LED to function while remaining visually hidden from users.
3Shape
If light source is mounted under inactive display portion, then illumination and concealment are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source mounting with the display assembly manufacturing process. The light source is mounted on the display module during assembly, allowing both components to be manufactured and integrated together, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the additional integration step.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the display interface, houses the light source, and conceals the light source when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.
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 provides effective illumination for digital image capture while enhancing the device's aesthetics by hiding the light source when not in use, offering a compact and visually appealing design for electronic devices like smartphones and laptops.
Implementation Method 1
A light source such as a light-emitting diode may serve as a source of illumination
Implementation Method 2
The shutter may have a movable shutter blade... place the shutter in the open position. This exposes the light source and allows light from the light source to pass through the shutter
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a camera module for acquiring still and video digital images of a subject. A light source such as a light-emitting diode may serve as a flash for the camera module. A shutter may be mounted above the light-emitting diode. When the light-emitting diode is not being used to produce a flash of light for illuminating the subject, the shutter may be closed to block the light-emitting diode from view by a user. During image acquisition operations in which it is desired to illuminate the subject, the shutter may be opened to allow light from the light-emitting diode to exit the electronic device. The electronic device may have a touch screen display with an active region and an inactive region. The camera module and light source may be mounted under a portion of the inactive region of the display. The shutter may include a filter structure.