Pop-Up Rotational Camera Mechanism for Full-Front Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with cameras face challenges in maximizing display area due to camera placement on the front surface, as existing solutions do not effectively utilize the camera's rotational capabilities to retract it for full surface utilization.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a pinion gear and rack gear mechanism that allows for upward and downward rotational movement, enabling the camera to rotate 180 degrees or more, allowing the camera to be retracted when not in use, thus maximizing the display area by allowing the camera to function as both a front and rear camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is disposed on the front surface of the electronic device, then the camera can function as a front camera, but the display cannot use the maximum area of the front surface
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to be movable between a retracted position (within the device body) and an extended position (protruding from the front surface). This dynamic positioning allows the camera to be hidden when not in use, maximizing display area, and exposed when needed for photography, maintaining camera functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is nested within the device body when retracted, allowing it to be stored inside the electronic device's housing. This nesting approach enables the camera to occupy minimal space during non-use while still being accessible when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is disposed on the front surface of the electronic device, then the camera can function as a front camera, but the camera obstructs the display area
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module transitions from a static front-surface mounting to a dynamic retraction mechanism. The camera can be positioned at the front surface when needed for photography and retracted into the device body when not in use, eliminating obstruction to the display area while preserving front camera functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a telescopic mechanism is used to extend the camera above the device, then the camera can rotate for panoramic shooting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to rotate around its optical axis when extended. This dynamic rotation capability enables panoramic and wide-angle photography while the camera is in its extended position, adding versatility without requiring multiple separate cameras.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, a display, at least part of which is included in the housing, a sliding part that includes an opening exposed to an outside area and that slides relative to the housing, and a camera module that is disposed in the opening and that rotates relative to the sliding part. The camera module is configured to rotate to face a first direction when the sliding part slides to a first position relative to the housing and to rotate to face a second direction different from the first direction when the sliding part slides to a second position relative to the housing.