Pop-up Module Free-Fall Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with pop-up modules, such as camera modules, are prone to damage when accidentally dropped due to exposure during a fall, leading to mechanical failure and poor functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a pop-up module that includes a driving unit, an unlocking mechanism, and an elastic body, which automatically retracts the pop-up module into the main body housing before impact when a free fall is detected, using sensors to control the extension and retraction based on specific control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pop-up module is extended from the main body housing for normal operation, then the functionality and accessibility of the pop-up module (e.g., camera) is improved, but the vulnerability to impact damage when the device is dropped increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of free-fall conditions using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and activates the retraction mechanism before impact occurs. The control unit receives detection signals and commands the driving unit to retract the pop-up module within a predetermined time, proactively preventing damage before the dropping event completes
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body (spring) is pre-loaded in the retraction mechanism to provide automatic reverse force. When the locking state is released during free-fall, the pre-compressed elastic body immediately generates the anti-action force needed to push the pop-up module back into the housing, counteracting the extension position without requiring active power consumption during the critical retraction moment
2Reliability
If the pop-up module is retracted into the main body housing to protect from damage, then the reliability and damage resistance is improved, but the ease of operation and accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the pop-up module based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the module remains extended for accessibility. Upon detection of free-fall conditions, it automatically transitions to retracted position for protection. The locking unit and elastic body enable smooth, controlled transitions between these states without mechanical binding or excessive force
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body provides self-service by automatically generating the retraction force without requiring additional power input during the critical moment. The pre-loaded spring stores energy during extension and releases it during retraction, making the protective action self-powered and responsive
3Reliability
If an additional driver and locking mechanism are added to enable controlled extension and retraction, then the ability to protect the pop-up module is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving unit serves multiple functions: it extends the pop-up module during normal operation, retracts it during free-fall protection, and maintains positional stability through the locking unit. The elastic body simultaneously provides locking force, retraction force, and shock absorption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates between the driving unit and the pop-up module. It engages to hold the extended position during normal use and disengages to permit retraction during protection events, simplifying the control logic by providing a mechanical interface that automatically transitions between states based on driving unit position
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
Effectively protects the pop-up module from impact damage by ensuring it is retracted into the housing before collision, thereby maintaining functionality and preventing mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic body disposed between the main body housing and the pop-up module, the first elastic body providing a force by which the pop-up module is retracted into the main body housing after the locking state is released by the unlocking unit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and method are disclosed. The electronic device includes a main body housing, a pop-up module extendable and retractable from the main body housing, and a processor. The processor implements the method, including identifying, by at least one processor, a state where a pop-up module of the electronic device is extended to an external environment of the electronic device, based on receiving a first control signal, maintaining extension of the pop-up, based on receiving a second control signal, retracting the pop-up module into the electronic device, and based on receiving a third control signal indicating that the electronic device is in free fall, retracting the pop-up module into the electronic device.