Pop-Out Camera Module for Variable TTL in Slim Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of enhancing camera performance by enlarging the image sensor dimensions conflicts with the requirement for a low thickness in camera modules due to the increased Total Track Length (TTL) needed for maintaining the Field of View (FOV), which is not compatible with the slim design of smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a pop-out assembly that includes a lens barrel, a cover window, and an actuator system, allowing the lens barrel to move between collapsed and operative states, coupled with an auto-focus and optical image stabilization system, to adjust the TTL dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor dimensions are enlarged to improve camera performance, then low-light performance and resolution are improved, but the Total Track Length (TTL) increases making the module too thick for slim devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pop-out assembly that dynamically changes the TTL of the camera module. The lens barrel and cover window can extend axially when the camera is in use, increasing the TTL to maintain FOV with larger image sensors. When not in use, the assembly retracts to minimize the TTL, enabling the device to maintain a slim form factor. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing large sensors for performance and maintaining small TTL for device slimness.
2Area of stationary object
If the Total Track Length is increased to maintain Field of View with larger image sensors, then camera performance is improved, but the device thickness increases compromising the slim design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera module into separable components: a fixed base portion and a movable pop-out assembly containing the lens barrel and cover window. This segmentation allows the image sensor to remain in the fixed portion while the optical components extend in the movable portion when needed. The separation enables large image sensors to be accommodated without permanently increasing the device thickness, as only the necessary optical path length extends during camera operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module is made extendible and collapsible to bridge conflicting requirements, then both slimness and performance are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the pop-out assembly: the lens barrel housing, cover window mechanism, and extension structure are integrated into a single coordinated unit. The actuator system merges the functions of extending the lens barrel and moving the cover window into one synchronized operation. This merging reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each component, while still achieving the desired adaptability between slim and extended states.
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 solution enables improved camera performance with larger image sensors while maintaining a slim form factor by adjusting the TTL as needed, enhancing low-light performance, resolution, and FOV without compromising device thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a driving cam configured to be driven rotationally by the driving motor, the driving cam being coupled to the cover window so that a rotation of the driving cam causes the cover window to axially move between the retracted position and the extended position
Implementation Method 2
an objective assembly holding coaxially one or more lens elements defining an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a camera module for use in a portable electronic device. The camera module comprises a shiftable lens barrel comprising an objective assembly holding coaxially one or more lens elements defining an optical axis. The camera module has a retractable cover window. The lens barrel has an operative state and a collapsed state and the cover window has a corresponding extended and retracted position. The camera further comprises an actuator including a driving motor; a pop-out assembly actuatable by the actuator. The pop-out assembly includes a driving cam configured to be driven rotationally by the actuator, a carrier configured to receive the lens barrel and an image sensor configured to image a field of view of the objective assembly when the lens barrel is in the operative state.