Foldable Optical Device With Movable Lens Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for miniaturization of camera modules to achieve a slim external appearance in portable devices, as various additional devices are installed, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for compactness while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a foldable design with a lens module and sensor module connected by an elastic member, allowing the lens module to be positioned within a hole when the device is folded and above the hole when unfolded, enabling a telescope mode without additional electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the camera module is miniaturized to achieve a slim external appearance, then the device thickness is reduced, but the photography functionality and optical performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lens module is designed to be movable along the optical axis rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position for focusing and telescope mode. This dynamic configuration enables the camera module to maintain full photography functionality within a thinner profile by only extending components when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module is disposed within the first hole of the first main body when not in use, effectively nesting the optical components within the device housing. This nesting approach allows the camera module to achieve a slim external appearance while still providing full functionality when the lens module is extended.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices are installed in portable terminals to diversify functions, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable lens module serves multiple functions: it enables standard photography mode when positioned in the first hole, and activates telescope mode when extended above the first hole. This multi-functionality allows a single camera module design to provide diverse photography capabilities without requiring separate dedicated components for each mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens module is made movable to enable telescope mode, then the optical versatility is improved, but the device complexity and component requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens module is designed to be self-supported through its elastic connection to the sensor module, eliminating the need for additional motors, actuators, or complex driving mechanisms. The elastic member naturally provides the restoring force to return the lens module to its initial position, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining optical versatility.
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
This design achieves a slim external appearance through miniaturization of the camera module, allowing for a telescope mode and reducing component and cost requirements, while maintaining photography functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connected to a lower surface of the lens module and an upper surface of the sensor module, wherein the elastic member is adapted to be compressed so that the lens module is disposed in the first hole when the first main body and the second main body are folded, and wherein the elastic member is adapted to be restored so that at least a portion of the lens module is disposed above the first hole when the first main body and the second main body are unfolded
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical device is provided. An optical device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first main body including a first hole; a second main body including a second hole and connected to the first main body in a foldable manner; a sensor module disposed to be fixed to the first hole; a lens module disposed to be movable in the optical axis direction atop the sensor module; and a transparent member disposed in the second hole, wherein the lens module is disposed in the first hole when the first main body and the second main body are folded, , and at least a part of the lens module is disposed over the first hole when the first main body and the second main body are unfolded.