Retractable Camera Assembly With Angle Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cameras on large-screen devices are fixed and cannot be adjusted, leading to unattractive appearances and potential damage when exposed, and lack flexibility in photographing angles.

Innovation Solution

A camera assembly with a transmission mechanism, elastic component, and push block allows the camera module to be linearly moved and rotated, using a single transmission mechanism to save space and prevent manual removal, featuring a baffle and guide rail for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is directly fixed to the large-screen device, then the structure is simple and space is saved, but the photographing angle cannot be adjusted and the appearance is inaesthetic when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of photographing angleVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is transformed from a fixed static state to a movable dynamic state. The transmission mechanism enables the camera to move between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when photographing), while also allowing rotation to adjust the photographing angle. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing adjustability without requiring a permanently complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is nested within the large-screen device body, allowing it to be retracted into the device when not in use. This nesting approach maintains a clean, aesthetic appearance while enabling the camera to be deployed and adjusted when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the camera is directly fixed to the large-screen device, then the installation is simple, but the camera is exposed to the outside and easily damaged when not used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of cameraVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is nested within the device body, with a transmission rod and push block mechanism that allows it to be retracted into a protected position when not in use. This nesting provides physical protection for the camera while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of straightforward mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission rod and push block act as intermediary components between the camera module and the device body. These intermediaries enable the camera to be securely held and protected within the device while allowing controlled movement when photographing is needed, thus protecting the camera without requiring a complex protective structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If a single transmission mechanism is used to move and rotate the camera module, then space is saved, but the mechanism must perform multiple functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidmechanism functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, where the transmission rod serves dual purposes: it moves the camera module between retracted and extended positions, and it also enables rotation of the camera module to adjust the photographing angle. This multi-functional design reduces the overall space required while avoiding the need for separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of position adjustment and angle rotation are merged into a single integrated transmission mechanism. The transmission rod and push block work together to accomplish both linear movement and rotational adjustment, consolidating what could have been separate mechanisms into one compact unit, thus saving space while maintaining functional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables adjustable camera angles and secure positioning, enhancing aesthetics and durability while reducing the number of transmission mechanisms needed, thus saving space within the device.

Implementation Method 1

A second end of the transmission rod is connected to a first end of the push block by the elastic component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A first thread is arranged in the first through hole. A second thread is arranged on the transmission shaft. The second thread on the transmission shaft matches the first thread in the first through hole in the transmission rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The transmission rod is configured to drive the transmission shaft to rotate under the influence of the sum of the gravity of the camera module and the transmission shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4007256B1Camera assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4007256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4007256B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4007256B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a camera assembly and an electronic device. The camera assembly is applicable to devices such as a smart television, a display, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or a smart camera. The camera assembly includes a camera module, a push block, an elastic component, a transmission rod, a transmission mechanism, a transmission shaft, and a limiting block. A first end of the transmission rod is connected to the transmission mechanism. A second end of the transmission rod is connected to a first end of the push block by the elastic component. A second end of the push block is configured for contact with the camera module. A first through hole is provided in the transmission rod. A first thread is arranged in the first through hole. A first end of the transmission shaft is fixedly connected to the camera module. A second end of the transmission shaft penetrates the first through hole in the transmission rod. A second thread is arranged on the transmission shaft. The second thread on the transmission shaft matches the first thread in the first through hole in the transmission rod. The camera assembly in the embodiments of this application can lift a camera, and adjust the photographing angle of the camera.