Lens-Integrated Window Member for Electronic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices are downsized for user convenience, high-spec optical lens modules protrude from the device, compromising their aesthetic appeal and making it difficult to increase lens specifications without affecting the exterior design, especially when installed on the front surface for selfie purposes.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a lens into the window member of the electronic device, which includes a window lens area and an alignment guide, allowing the lens to be formed within the device while maintaining an elegant exterior and high optical performance, and reducing the number of lenses needed by forming the lens in a partial area of the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of lenses in the optical lens module is increased to achieve high specifications, then the optical performance is improved, but the module protrudes from the device exterior compromising aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lens directly into the window member by forming a lens-shaped recess in the window member and positioning the lens assembly to align with this recess. This merging of the lens function into the window member eliminates the need for a separate protruding lens module, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while achieving high optical performance through multiple lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the window member to accommodate the lens assembly. By forming a lens-shaped recess within the window member's thickness and aligning the lens assembly with this recess, the solution embeds the optical system in the Z-dimension (thickness direction) rather than allowing protrusion in the X-Y plane, thus preserving exterior aesthetics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical lens module is installed on the front surface for selfie purposes, then the functionality is improved, but the display area is reduced and protrusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is merged with the window member by forming a lens-shaped recess in the window member and positioning the lens assembly within this recess. This integration allows the optical module to be embedded within the existing window member structure rather than adding a separate protruding module, thereby preserving the full display area while enabling selfie functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The window member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the protective front cover and the housing for the lens assembly. By integrating the lens function into the window member, the solution eliminates the need for separate structural elements, maximizing the usable display area while providing selfie capability.
3Shape
If a lens assembly is integrated into the window member, then protrusion is prevented and aesthetics are improved, but alignment precision between the lens and window lens area becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an alignment guide structure in the window member before the lens assembly is installed. This alignment guide pre-establishes the correct positional relationship between the window lens area and the lens assembly, making the subsequent assembly process more precise and reducing the difficulty of achieving accurate alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guide structure in the window member automatically guides the lens assembly into the correct position during assembly. This self-aligning mechanism reduces the need for high-precision manual positioning and ensures consistent alignment between the lens and window lens area without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.
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 solution prevents lens protrusion, maintains high optical performance, reduces the device's thickness, and allows for more lenses to be included while ensuring an aesthetically pleasing design, with the added benefit of reducing misalignment and light loss through anti-reflection coatings.
Implementation Method 1
with the added benefit of reducing misalignment and light loss through anti-reflection coatings
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic device includes a window including a first surface and a second surface that faces the direction opposite to that of the first surface; a lens housing disposed in the internal space of the electronic device; and an optical lens module including a lens assembly aligned toward the second surface of the window in the lens housing, wherein the window includes: a window lens area formed on the first surface or the second surface; and an alignment guide formed on the perimeter of the window lens area for aligning the window lens area and the lens assembly.