Foldable Imaging Apparatus Shutter Button Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable imaging apparatuses face difficulties in operability due to the challenge of firmly holding the device while pressing the shutter button, leading to potential hand movement and instability during photography.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a foldable structure with two housings, where the upper housing is pivotably connected to the lower housing, allowing for a stable grip and easy operation of the shutter button, with buttons and a touch panel positioned to prevent thumb contact with the screen, enabling secure holding and operation with both hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter button is provided on the inner surface of the lower second housing, then the camera can be used while the mobile phone is opened, but the user cannot firmly hold the second housing when pressing the shutter button, leading to hand movement and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile phone is divided into two separate housings: the first housing containing the camera and second housing containing the shutter button. This segmentation allows the user to hold the second housing firmly with one hand while operating the shutter button with the other hand, eliminating hand movement instability during photographing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter button is relocated from the inner surface of the lower second housing to the outer surface of the upper first housing. This spatial repositioning in another dimension enables the user to access the shutter button without compromising the firm grip on the second housing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and holding stability.
2Ease of operation
If the thumb is separated from the second housing when pressing the first shutter button, then the shutter button can be pressed, but the second housing cannot be firmly held
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the shutter button from the housing that needs to be held, the user can maintain full grip strength on the second housing while operating the shutter button on the first housing with the thumb, eliminating the trade-off between operation ease and grip strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The first housing acts as an intermediary structure that carries the shutter button away from the second housing. This intermediary allows the thumb to press the shutter button without interfering with the fingers' ability to firmly hold the second housing, resolving the contradiction between shutter button operation and grip strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An imaging apparatus (10) comprises a lower housing (11), an upper housing (21), an outer camera (25), and at least one photographing button (buttons 14H and 14G). The upper housing (21) is connected to an upper surface of the lower housing (11) such that the upper housing (21) and the lower housing (11) are foldable. The outer camera (25) is provided in an outer surface of the upper housing (21) which is located outside when the two housings (11 and 21) are folded. The at least one photographing button is provided on an upper surface of the lower housing (11) for performing an instruction to store an image taken by the outer camera (25).