Monolithic Multi-Camera Chassis for Compact Thermal Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera systems face challenges in reducing size, improving thermal performance, and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity and reducing stray light risk, particularly in integrating optical image stabilization and autofocus mechanisms within small form factor devices.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design that integrates multiple camera components into a monolithic structure with features like recesses, pockets, and varying wall thicknesses, formed through subtractive manufacturing, which reduces system size, enhances thermal performance, and eliminates the need for separate components like shield cans, thereby improving structural integrity and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple separate components (shield cans, camera housings) are used in multi-camera systems, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but system size increases and structural integrity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (shield cans, camera housings, mounting structures) into a single integrated chassis structure. This monolithic design reduces the overall number of parts, decreases system volume, and improves structural integrity while maintaining all necessary functions for housing multiple cameras with OIS and AF mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chassis serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support framework, provides shielding for camera components, houses multiple cameras with different orientations, and incorporates mounting features for OIS and AF mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Temperature
If uniform wall thickness is used in camera chassis, then manufacturing is simpler, but thermal performance and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis employs varying wall thicknesses in different regions optimized for specific functions: thicker walls in areas requiring enhanced structural support or heat dissipation, and thinner walls where weight reduction or compactness is prioritized. This localized optimization improves both thermal performance and structural integrity without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Volume of moving object
If cameras are mounted close together to reduce size, then form factor is improved, but stray light ingress between cameras increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chassis incorporates light-blocking partitions or baffles that segment the internal space between closely mounted cameras. These partitions prevent stray light from one camera lens from reaching another camera's sensor, effectively eliminating cross-contamination while maintaining compact camera spacing for reduced form factor.
4Strength
If complex features (recesses, pockets, varying thickness) are integrated into monolithic chassis, then structural integrity and thermal performance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features (recesses for camera mounting, pockets for component housing, varying wall thicknesses for thermal and structural optimization) are merged into a single monolithic chassis structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and assembly steps, actually simplifying manufacturing despite the complex geometry, while significantly improving structural integrity and thermal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a chassis for a multi-camera system and techniques for forming such a chassis. The chassis may comprise multiple chassis portions that define cavities for mounting cameras. Some embodiments include a chassis portion comprising an integrated shield can-chassis that may be formed as a single component. According to some embodiments, subtractive manufacturing may be used to form one or more features of the chassis.