Movable Camera Module Gear Drive for Space-Saving Smartphones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with fixed front-facing and rear-facing cameras occupy valuable space and are inconvenient for flexible photo-taking, as they cannot be easily repositioned without wasting space and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a camera module and a driving device that includes a driving board, motor, and gear system, allowing the camera to be moved in and out of the device through a channel, enabling flexible positioning of the camera for front or rear use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple fixed cameras are installed for front and rear photo-taking, then photo-taking convenience is improved, but device space is wasted and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of front-facing and rear-facing cameras into a single camera module that can be positioned in different locations. One camera module serves dual purposes by being movable to front and rear positions, eliminating the need for separate fixed cameras and thus saving device space while maintaining photo-taking convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable camera module that can dynamically change its position from front to rear of the device. This dynamic positioning capability allows a single camera module to replace multiple fixed cameras, optimizing space utilization while preserving the convenience of front and rear photo-taking
2Ease of operation
If multiple fixed cameras are installed for front and rear photo-taking, then photo-taking convenience is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple cameras into a single movable camera module, reducing the total number of camera components needed. This merger lowers manufacturing costs by requiring fewer camera modules, lenses, and associated components while still enabling both front and rear photo-taking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by being positioned at different locations - serving as both front-facing and rear-facing camera. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated cameras for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs
3Volume of stationary object
If a movable camera module is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical driving mechanisms with alternative approaches such as magnetic levitation or electrostatic suspension to move the camera module. This substitution eliminates the need for traditional motors, gears, and linkages, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while achieving space-efficient camera positioning
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 allows for efficient use of space, reduces costs by minimizing the need for multiple camera installations, and enhances user convenience by enabling easy repositioning of the camera for optimal photo-taking.
Implementation Method 1
a driving motor, including an output shaft mounted with a driving gear
Implementation Method 2
a driving gear; and a driven gear, meshed with both of the driving gear and the rack
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present application provide an electronic device, the electronic device defines a channel. A driving board is fixedly connected with a camera module, and an output shaft of a driving motor is mounted with a driving gear. A driven gear is meshed with both of the driving gear and a rack, a diameter of the driven gear is greater than a diameter of the driving gear. The driving motor can drive the driving board to move along a direction from the channel to the outside of the electronic device through the rotation of the driving gear and the rotation of the driven gear, thereby to drive the camera module from in the channel to the outside of the electronic device.