Periscopic Camera Module Layout for Compact Zoom Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing periscopic camera modules are large in size and complex in structure, occupying valuable space within portable electronic devices and complicating assembly, which hinders their integration and mass production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A periscopic camera module design utilizing a first reflective element, an optical lens, and a second reflective element, such as a triangular or parallelogram prism, to fold the optical path laterally, reducing the overall length and incorporating a photosensitive chip closer to the optical lens, with integrated reflecting surfaces and housings to facilitate compactness and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the optical path is folded laterally using a second reflective element (prism), then the volume of the camera module is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of camera moduleVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional transformation by folding the optical path laterally using a second reflective element (prism) instead of extending it linearly. This transforms the optical path from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional folded configuration, reducing the longitudinal volume occupation while managing structural complexity through systematic design.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by integrating the second reflective element (prism) with the housing structure. The prism is positioned within the housing space, and the housing itself serves as part of the optical path structure, allowing components to be nested within each other to reduce overall volume while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the periscopic camera module is designed for high-magnification zoom capability, then the imaging quality is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the camera module into distinct functional segments: a first reflective element for longitudinal turning, an optical lens for imaging, and a second reflective element for lateral turning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and assembled in a modular fashion, improving imaging quality while managing assembly complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines the optical path, and integrates with the second reflective element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving imaging quality through precise optical alignment while simplifying the assembly process.

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

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 design reduces the volume of the camera module, improves imaging quality by minimizing light loss, enhances assembly efficiency, and supports high-magnification zoom capabilities with anti-shake functionality, suitable for mass production.

Implementation Method 1

a first reflective element, which is used to reflect incident light and make it longitudinally turned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second reflective element, which includes at least one second reflecting surface adapted to laterally turn the imageable light beam at least once

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12585092B2Periscopic camera module and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO LTD
  • US12585092B2 patent drawing
  • US12585092B2 patent drawing
  • US12585092B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a periscopic camera module, which includes a first reflective element mounted on a first base, an optical lens mounted on a second substrate, a second reflective element mounted on a third substrate, and a photosensitive chip mounted on a fourth substrate. Particularly, the first reflective element is used to reflect the incident light to make it longitudinally turned; the optical lens is used to receive the reflected light which is longitudinally turned and output an imageable light beam; the second reflective element is a second prism, which is adapted to laterally turn the imageable light beam at least once and has a reflecting surface located on a side surface of the second prism; and the photosensitive chip is adapted to receive the imageable light beam laterally turned by the second reflective element. Also provided is a corresponding electronic device. The length of the periscopic camera module according to the present application may be reduced to be suitable for mass production on a large scale, thereby facilitating to improve production efficiency and yield.