Pivoting Camera Module with Magnetic Release for Video Chat
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with fixed camera lenses, such as notebook computers, multiple users cannot easily participate in video chats simultaneously due to the fixed camera position, requiring users to huddle in front of the lens, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes a mechanism where the image capturing module can be pivoted and released relative to the device's body, allowing it to be turned up when the device is positioned in a tent-like configuration, enabling better capture of participants from different angles by including a magnetic attraction system and a heat-activated memory material to change the magnetic field, allowing the module to be positioned above the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera lens position is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but multiple users cannot easily participate in video chats simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed with a pivot connection that allows it to rotate between a first position (flush with device surface) and a second position (extended outward). This dynamic positioning enables the camera to adapt between different video chat scenarios: capturing individual users when in the first position and capturing multiple users when extended to the second position, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is segmented into a movable camera module and a fixed device body. The camera module can be independently positioned at different locations, allowing it to be separated from the main device structure during operation. This segmentation enables the camera to reach optimal positioning for group video chats without requiring the entire device to be complex or movable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image capturing module is extended outward, then multiple users can be captured, but the module needs a release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet embedded in the device body interacts with a magnetic component in the camera module to provide automatic retention in the extended position. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical springs, latches, or levers, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic release mechanism operates automatically based on the camera module's position. When the camera module is in the second position, the magnetic field naturally holds it there without requiring active engagement. When returned to the first position, the magnetic retention automatically releases, enabling the camera to service itself through position-based magnetic interaction without complex control systems.
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 convenient video conferencing by enabling the image capturing module to be positioned above the device, capturing images from different angles, thus facilitating group video chats without the need for users to huddle.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic member is adapted for magnetically attracting the second magnetic member, so that the image capturing module approaches to the first machine body
Implementation Method 2
the memory material member is heated by the heat source to deform, and the first magnetic member is linked to the memory material member to keep away from the second magnetic member
Data Source
AI summary
A releasing method of an image capturing module of an electronic device, including an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a first machine body and an image capturing module pivotally connected to the first machine body, and the image capturing module is restrained by the first machine body to approach to the first machine body. Performing a posture estimation procedure includes, sensing a first included angle between the first machine body and a gravity direction for determining whether the electronic device is in a tent position. When the electronic device is determined to be in the tent position, determine whether a release instruction is received, so as to decide whether to perform a release procedure, wherein when the release procedure is performed, the first machine body releases the image capturing module, so that the image capturing module is turned up relative to the first machine body.