Movable Camera Holder for Sliding Device Optical Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The structure of a camera module does not change with the structure of an electronic device, making it difficult to adjust focal distance or optical magnification, especially in slidable devices where the device size increases with housing movement.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a movable second housing, a flexible display, and a camera module where the second camera holder is movable along the optical axis with respect to the first camera holder, allowing the processor to adjust the lens modules to match the changing device structure and optical magnification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the electronic device increases in size with housing movement, then the display area is extended, but the camera module cannot utilize the additional space to adjust focal distance or optical magnification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidcamera module adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is divided into two separate camera holders (first and second camera holders) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each holder to be positioned at different locations along the optical axis, enabling the camera module to adapt to different device configurations and utilize available space effectively for focal distance and magnification adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera holders are designed to be movable along the optical axis rather than fixed. The second camera holder can move relative to the first camera holder, and both can be positioned at different locations depending on the device structure. This dynamic design enables the camera module to adapt its configuration when the electronic device changes size through housing movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the camera module structure remains fixed, then the device structure can be simplified, but it becomes difficult to change focal distance or optical magnification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module structureVSAvoidfocal distance adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module employs movable camera holders that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis. The second camera holder moves relative to the first camera holder, and both holders can be independently positioned. This dynamic structure enables focal distance and optical magnification adjustment without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable camera holder design serves multiple functions: it enables focal distance adjustment, optical magnification change, and adaptation to different device configurations. This universal design approach allows a single structural mechanism to handle various adjustment requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If the lens cannot move due to limited space, then the camera module size can be reduced, but it becomes difficult to adjust optical magnification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidoptical magnification adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera holders move along the optical axis (one-dimensional movement), which allows the lenses to change position and achieve optical magnification adjustment within a compact volume. By utilizing the optical axis dimension for movement, the design achieves magnification adjustment capability without requiring large lateral space or complex multi-dimensional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4184284B1Electronic device including camera module and operation method of same electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4184284B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1~1-2
  • EP4184284B1 patent drawingFigure 2-1~2-2
  • EP4184284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided that includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing in a movable manner, a flexible display disposed on the first housing and the second housing and having a structure that is changeable with a movement of the second housing, a camera module in which an optical magnification can be set, and a processor. The camera module includes a first camera holder connected to the first housing and including a first lens module disposed along a first optical axis, and a second camera holder connected to the second housing and including at least a second lens module disposed along the first optical axis. The second camera holder is movable along the first optical axis with respect to the first camera holder with the movement of the second housing.