Foldable Webcam Lens Cover Mechanism for Transport Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current webcams lack a compact and portable design that effectively protects the lens while allowing for versatile mounting options and efficient use in various settings, such as on computer monitors or work surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A webcam with a camera housing and base that includes rotational hinges allowing for panning and tilting, a foldable design for lens protection, and motorized hinges for automatic sound tracking, enabling multiple use configurations and easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the webcam is designed with a fixed non-foldable structure, then the lens is always exposed and accessible, but the device cannot be compacted for portable transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic, foldable structure. The housing includes foldable arms that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the lens to be accessible during use but compacted for transport. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between maintaining lens accessibility and achieving device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the housing into multiple movable parts including a base, foldable arms, and a lens cover assembly. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, enabling the lens cover to be positioned over the lens for protection while maintaining the ability to extend and retract for accessibility and compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If the webcam housing is made compact and foldable for portability, then the device becomes easier to transport, but the lens becomes more vulnerable to damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a lens cover that can be positioned over the lens before the device is subjected to rough handling or storage. The foldable structure allows the lens cover to be extended to protect the lens during transport, and retracted when the device is in use, thus preventing damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens cover acts as an intermediary protective element between the lens and external damage sources. The foldable mechanism allows this intermediary to be deployed when needed (during transport) and retracted when the lens needs to be accessible for use, thus mediating between protection and functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the webcam is designed with fixed mounting structure, then the installation is simple, but the device cannot be easily attached to various surfaces or positioned at different angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable and foldable mounting components. The housing includes a base with adjustable mounting mechanisms and foldable arms that can be positioned at different angles, allowing the webcam to be attached to various surfaces (monitors, walls, desks) and positioned optimally for different usage scenarios while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional mounting system that can accommodate various mounting surfaces and configurations. The adjustable base and foldable structure enable the same device to be mounted on monitors, walls, desks, or other surfaces, providing versatile adaptability while keeping the mounting process simple through standardized attachment mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the webcam housing includes additional protective covers and foldable structures, then the lens is better protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective lens cover with the existing housing structure by integrating it into the foldable arm mechanism. Rather than adding a completely separate protective system, the lens cover is combined with the housing's foldable components, allowing it to be deployed and retracted through the same mechanical action, thus providing protection while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing the foldable structure to serve multiple purposes: it provides mechanical support for the housing, enables compact folding for transport, and facilitates the deployment of the lens cover for protection. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive lens protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening.