Magnetic Peripheral Camera With Tapered Thermal Spreader for Natural Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peripheral cameras for portable information handling systems face challenges in placement with larger displays, leading to unnatural user images, interference with desktop usage, limited battery life, and issues with thermal management and illumination.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral camera magnetically couples to a portable information handling system display using ferromagnetic material, incorporates wireless charging and power management, and features a tapered thermal spreader for heat dissipation, along with a ring light for illumination adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a peripheral camera is placed on a bracket coupled to the display perimeter, then the camera can be positioned to capture the end user, but the end user appears looking away from the camera creating an unnatural image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the camera and display. The camera magnetically couples to the display surface, allowing flexible positioning while ensuring the camera lens axis aligns with the display surface normal, thereby capturing the end user naturally without the looking-away effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning parameter from fixed mechanical brackets to magnetic coupling, which allows the camera to be positioned at various locations on the display perimeter while maintaining proper alignment. The magnetic force enables the camera to self-align with the display surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If a peripheral camera is placed on a stand in front of the display, then the camera can capture the end user naturally, but the stand blocks the end user's viewing and interferes with desktop surface usage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for physical stands. The camera attaches directly to the display surface through magnetic force, removing the obstruction that would otherwise block the user's view and interfere with desktop usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the camera from the traditional stand-based mounting approach and integrates it directly with the display through magnetic coupling. This removes the unnecessary stand component that caused interference with viewing and desktop usage.
3Volume of moving object
If a small form factor camera is used, then the camera can be easily integrated, but the plastic housing does not dissipate heat effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite housing structure combining thermally conductive materials in contact with heat-generating components and thermally insulative materials for the outer housing. This composite approach enables effective heat dissipation from internal components while maintaining a compact form factor and providing user-friendly exterior surfaces.
4Ease of operation
If ferromagnetic material is added to the display housing for magnetic coupling, then the camera can be magnetically attached, but the housing weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ferromagnetic material locally only in the specific regions where magnetic coupling with the camera is required, rather than throughout the entire housing. This localized application provides the necessary magnetic attachment capability while minimizing the overall weight increase of the housing.
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 solution ensures optimal camera placement, extends battery life, manages thermal energy, and provides controlled illumination, enhancing user experience during videoconferences.
Implementation Method 1
A peripheral camera magnetically couples to a portable information handling system display using ferromagnetic material
Implementation Method 2
A tapered thermal spreader for heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system having a display magnetically couples a peripheral camera to the display with a ferromagnetic material disposed behind the display and a magnet included in the camera housing. A metallic inner frame couples a camera assembly at one end of a cylindrical housing and the magnet is at an opposing end. A thermal spreader of thermally conductive material has at tapered conical shape with substantially two degrees of taper before assembly into the cylindrical housing. Insertion of the tapered thermal spreader compress the larger circumference to press the thermal spreader uniformly out and against an inner surface of the cylindrical housing.