Retractable Camera Module with Proximity Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable image capture devices face challenges in protecting their lenses from damage due to environmental factors like impact or accidental placement on surfaces, as existing solutions do not effectively monitor and respond to changes in the device's surroundings to retract the lenses promptly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera module position controller that uses sensors and actuators to dynamically retract camera modules when an object is detected adjacent to the lens, utilizing voice-coil, dual voice-coil, or other actuators to move the lenses between extended and retracted positions based on luminosity differences, positional values, and orientation data, ensuring the lenses are protected from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera module is extended out of the housing for photo taking, then the image capture functionality is improved, but the lens becomes vulnerable to damage from impact or accidental placement on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to be dynamically movable between an extended position (for image capture) and a retracted position (for protection). The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and automatically adjusts the camera module position based on detected risks, making the protection mechanism dynamic rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect environmental conditions (such as proximity to surfaces, orientation, or impact) and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically commands the actuator to retract or extend the camera module, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to real-time conditions.
2Reliability
If the camera module is continuously monitored for environmental conditions, then the protection response time is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-protection by automatically monitoring its own environmental conditions and autonomously deciding when to retract the camera module. The system uses onboard sensors and processors to detect risks and execute protection actions without requiring external intervention or complex external monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical protection mechanisms (such as physical covers or shutters) with an automated electromechanical system using sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution allows for more flexible and responsive protection while reducing mechanical wear and complexity of moving parts.
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
This solution effectively reduces the likelihood of lens damage by automatically retracting the camera modules when an object is detected, allowing continued image and video capture from a protected position, maintaining functionality while safeguarding the lenses.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing voice-coil, dual voice-coil, or other actuators to move the lenses between extended and retracted positions
Data Source
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AI summary
Retractable image capture devices and methods to protect such retractable image capture devices. An example mobile device includes a housing; a camera module including a sensor and a lens, a focal distance between the sensor and the lens being fixed, the camera module being movably mounted to the housing to move between a first position and a second position, a surface of the lens to extend past an exterior surface of the housing in the first position, the camera module to be disposed within the housing in the second position; and an actuator to actuate the camera module from the first position to the second position in response to a proximity trigger.