Foldable Device Camera Flap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with integrated digital cameras, particularly those with multiple parts like sliding or folding designs, face challenges in protecting and optimizing camera functionality across different modes of operation, affecting image quality and durability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device with two body sections and a mechanical flap mechanism that allows the camera elements to align and operate together in one mode, while concealing and protecting the secondary camera element in another mode, using magnetic interactions for flap movement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical shutter mechanism is used to protect the camera element, then the camera element is protected when not in use, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical shutter is integrated within the housing structure itself, with the shutter blade nested inside the housing and rotating about an axis within the housing. This nesting approach incorporates the protective mechanism into the existing device structure rather than adding a separate external mechanism, thereby providing protection while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the shutter mechanism, and acts as part of the optical path. The shutter blade simultaneously provides protection and defines the aperture opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving effective protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera elements are integrated in different body sections, then image capture capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple body sections (first and second body sections) that can be positioned independently. Each body section can house camera elements, allowing the device to function as a single camera when sections are aligned or as multiple independent cameras when sections are separated. This segmentation enables versatile image capture capabilities while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The body sections are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing dynamic reconfiguration between different operating modes. The mechanical shutter can also rotate dynamically between open and closed positions. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt its complexity to the operational requirements, being simple in protected mode and complex in multi-camera mode.
3Illumination intensity
If the mechanical shutter is rotated to open position, then light can pass through the aperture opening, but the shutter mechanism becomes more exposed and vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter blade is nested within the housing structure, with the rotation axis and blade mechanism contained inside the housing boundaries. Even when the shutter is in the open position, the critical mechanical components remain nested within the protective housing envelope, minimizing exposure to external harmful factors while still allowing light passage through the aperture opening.
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
Enables effective mechanical switching between camera modes without electronic connections, providing additional protection and improved image capture capabilities by aligning optical elements for enhanced image quality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
there being at least one magnetic element in the mechanical flap and at least one magnetic element in the first body section; a retention mechanism in the second body section adapted to lock the mechanical flap in the second mode and release the mechanical flap in the first mode
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A device comprising at least two body sections is disclosed. The first body section comprises a first camera element having an optical axis, and the second body section comprises a second camera element and a mechanical flap adapted to expose and conceal the second camera element. The first body section is in a movable connection with the second body section, and the device is operable in at least two modes. In the first mode, the first and the second body sections are brought together, and the mechanical flap is adapted to expose the second camera element. In the second mode, the first and the second body sections are positioned such that the first and the second camera elements are positioned away from each other, and the mechanical flap is adapted to conceal the second camera element.