Retractable Camera Module Sliding Base Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient mechanism for retracting and protecting functional components like camera modules, which can be damaged by accidental impacts and occupy valuable front surface space, limiting the screen-to-body ratio.

Innovation Solution

A functional device with a sliding base and driving assembly using magnetic forces to extend and retract functional components, such as camera modules, within a cavity, ensuring protection and allowing for a full screen design by maintaining the component's functionality while reducing volume and enhancing user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If functional components are exposed on the front surface, then user accessibility and functionality are improved, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced and the device occupies more front surface space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidfront surface space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module transitions from a static exposed position to a dynamic retractable position. The module can be automatically ejected or manually pulled out from the housing cavity when needed, and retracted when not in use. This dynamic positioning allows the front surface to be fully available for display when the camera is retracted, while still providing easy access when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is nested within the housing cavity when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. The module fits inside the cavity space, allowing the front surface to be completely occupied by the display screen. When needed, the nested module can be extracted from the cavity for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If functional components are exposed on the front surface, then functionality is improved, but the components become vulnerable to accidental impacts and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomponent protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing cavity provides a protective enclosure for the camera module when it is retracted. This pre-established protective structure cushions the module from accidental impacts and environmental damage before any harmful event occurs. The module is safely housed within the cavity, protected from external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module can dynamically transition between exposed and retracted states based on usage conditions. When not in use, it automatically retracts into the protective cavity to avoid damage from accidental impacts. When needed, it extends for functionality. This dynamic response enhances both protection and usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a mechanical driving structure is used to move the camera module, then the module can be extended and retracted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule extension and retractionVSAvoiddriving structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical driving structures with alternative actuation methods. Instead of using motors, gears, or linkages to move the camera module, the invention employs magnetic fields or elastic elements to achieve extension and retraction. This substitution significantly reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the desired functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is designed to automatically extend and retract without requiring complex external driving mechanisms. Magnetic elements or elastic springs provide self-contained actuation forces that enable the module to move on its own in response to simple triggers or user input, eliminating the need for elaborate mechanical drive systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a reliable and efficient mechanism for protecting functional components from impacts and allows for a larger screen-to-body ratio by retracting components into a cavity, enhancing user experience and device reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the sliding base 3 is configured to be driven by the driving assembly 2 and sliding relative to the frame 1 by magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3477922B1Functional device and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3477922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a functional device. The functional device may include a frame, a driving assembly, and a sliding base. The frame defines a cavity. The driving assembly is received in the cavity. The driving assembly may include a motor, a lead screw, and a slider, the lead screw is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, the slider is sleeved on the lead screw, the sliding base is slidably connected to the frame. The sliding base is slidably connected to the frame and has a magnetic attraction with the slider, configured to hold a functional component. When the rotating shaft drives the lead screw to rotate, the slider drives the sliding base to move relative to the frame to extend the functional component out of the frame or retract into the cavity. The present disclosure also provides a mobile terminal.