Gear-Linked Elevator Assembly for Smooth Pop-Up Camera Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator assemblies for all-in-one PCs are prone to asynchronous movement due to uneven force application, leading to rough operation and increased complexity and cost when trying to improve smoothness, which conflicts with the design trend of narrow frames and aesthetic considerations.
Innovation Solution
A simple elevator assembly structure utilizing a first and second bracket with interconnected connecting rods and sliding portions, where the first and second connecting rods are engaged with each other through gear portions, allowing synchronous movement of the image capturing unit, thus ensuring smooth operation without the need for complex structures like scissor feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the image capturing unit is directly installed in the frame, then the installation is simple, but the frame width increases which goes against the narrow frame design trend
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing unit is nested within the narrow frame structure through the elevator assembly mechanism, allowing it to be concealed within the frame boundaries when retracted and only extending when needed, thus maintaining a narrow overall frame width while still accommodating the capturing unit
2Length of stationary object
If the image capturing unit is assembled on the frame in form of module, then the frame width can be reduced, but the module is visually obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The modular image capturing unit is nested within the frame structure when not in use, concealing it from view and eliminating visual obtrusiveness. The elevator mechanism allows the module to be hidden inside the frame boundaries, maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving modular assembly benefits
3Ease of operation
If the elevator assembly uses scissor feet and complicated structures to improve smoothness of operation, then the operational smoothness is improved, but the difficulty of assembly and cost of equipment will be significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scissor feet structures with a simplified elevator assembly consisting of a bracket, connecting rod, and gear portion. This mechanical substitution maintains operational smoothness through the gear-connected symmetric structure while dramatically reducing assembly complexity and equipment cost
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 elevator assembly achieves smooth and synchronous lifting and lowering of the image capturing unit, enhancing operational smoothness and reducing assembly complexity and cost, while maintaining a slim and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
The first pivot end is pivoted to the first bracket and provided with a first gear portion, and the first sliding end is slidably disposed on the first bracket and connected to the second bracket. The second connecting rod has a second pivot end and a second sliding end. The second pivot end is pivoted to the first bracket and provided with a second gear portion, the second sliding end is slidably disposed on the second bracket and connected to the second bracket, and the first gear portion and the second gear portion are engaged with each other.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The second bracket is slidably disposed on the first bracket. The first connecting rod has a first pivot end and a first sliding end. The first pivot end is pivoted to the first bracket and provided with a first gear portion, and the first sliding end is slidably disposed on the first bracket and connected to the second bracket. The second connecting rod has a second pivot end and a second sliding end. The second pivot end is pivoted to the first bracket and provided with a second gear portion, the second sliding end is slidably disposed on the second bracket and connected to the second bracket, and the first gear portion and the second gear portion are engaged with each other.