Pivoting Support Member for Stable Mobile Phone Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile phones with cameras face challenges in stabilizing the device for capturing steady images and incorporating the operator into the frame, as existing techniques either restrict the view or require external tripods that compromise portability.

Innovation Solution

A mobile phone with a pivotally coupled support member that can be configured to stabilize the device upright, combined with a Bluetooth device that functions as a remote control for the image capturing device, allowing for remote operation and adjustable viewing angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the mobile phone is rested on a surface by placing its flat-side face on the surface, then the phone is stabilized, but the captured image may get rotated at a right angle from the normal viewing plan of the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of mobile phoneVSAvoidviewing angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed to be movable between a first configuration (aligned with the housing) and a second configuration (extended at an angle relative to the housing). This dynamic adjustment allows the user to change the viewing angle and orientation of the captured image while maintaining stability, resolving the contradiction between stable positioning and proper image orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the mobile phone is rested on a surface, then the phone is stabilized, but the surface can limit the view of the camera lens while capturing an image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of mobile phoneVSAvoidviewing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable support member enables dynamic adjustment of the phone's angle relative to the supporting surface. By extending the support member at different angles in its second configuration, the user can optimize the camera's viewing angle to capture images at various perspectives without being constrained by the flat surface, thus maintaining both stability and viewing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If an external tripod is used to stabilize the mobile phone, then the phone can be fixed on a mounting surface, but the tripod must be large enough to hold a substantial portion of the mobile phone which makes the portability of the external tripod a problem

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of mobile phoneVSAvoidportability of tripod
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is integrated into the mobile phone housing, merging the stabilization function with the phone itself. This eliminates the need for a separate external tripod, providing stable image capture capability while maintaining the portability and compactness of the mobile phone, as the support member can be stored within or alongside the housing when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If the operator presses the click button to capture an image, then the image can be captured, but it may still be difficult for the operator to be a part of the captured image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture speedVSAvoidoperator inclusion in image
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A Bluetooth device serves as an intermediary remote control for operating the image capturing device. The operator can control the camera and trigger image capture remotely without needing to press the physical click button on the phone. This allows the operator to position themselves within the camera's view and capture self-inclusive images while maintaining convenient operation through wireless remote control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1885103B1Mobile phone with support member
Publication Date: 2010.04.07 MOTOROLA INC
  • EP1885103B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1885103B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1885103B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile phone (100) including a housing (104), and the support member (102) pivotally coupled to the housing. The support member is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration and is aligned substantially parallel to a side portion (108) of the housing in the first configuration. The support member extends at an angle relative to the side portion (108) of the housing in the second configuration. The support member supports the housing in an upright position in the second configuration. The mobile phone also includes an image capturing device (106) that is integrated with the housing.