Retractable Camera Module with Reversing Mechanism for Full-Screen Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of a camera module in electronic devices necessitates defining additional openings or non-display regions on the screen, reducing the screen-to-body ratio and hindering the achievement of a full-screen display experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a camera module, a pushing mechanism, and a reversing mechanism that allows the camera module to move from inside the housing to outside and reverse its orientation, enabling it to be used as both a front and rear camera without occupying the display region, utilizing a combination of coils, magnets, and a reversing mechanism to facilitate this movement and orientation change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera module is installed in the electronic device, then the shooting function is achieved, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced due to additional openings or non-display regions
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is made movable between a retracted position (inside the housing) and an extended position (outside the housing). When shooting is needed, the camera module moves to the extended position. When not in use, it retracts to maximize the display region area, achieving full-screen display effect. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing a camera module and maintaining large display area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the camera module in the planar dimension (occupying screen area), the invention utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness direction) by moving the camera module in and out of the housing. This dimensional transition allows the camera module to be accessible when needed while not occupying the display region area during normal display operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module moves outside the housing, then the camera can be used for shooting, but the structural complexity increases due to pushing and reversing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module serves multiple functions: it can be used as a front camera when extended in one direction, as a rear camera when extended in the opposite direction, and can be retracted to maximize display area. The reversing mechanism enables the single camera module to fulfill multiple shooting scenarios, reducing the need for separate front and rear cameras while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing mechanism utilizes electromagnetic interaction between coils and magnets to drive the camera module's movement, replacing traditional mechanical motors or linkages. This electromagnetic actuation reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise positioning and reversible motion control.
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 allows for an increased screen-to-body ratio by enabling the camera module to be used as both a front and rear camera without occupying the display area, thus facilitating a true full-screen display experience.
Implementation Method 1
The first coil is disposed in a sidewall of the accommodating groove close to the display surface. The first magnet is disposed on an end of the camera module close to the display surface.
Implementation Method 2
The second coil is disposed on two sidewalls of the accommodation groove defined in the housing. The second magnet is disposed on two sides of the camera module corresponding to the second coil.
Implementation Method 3
The third coil is disposed on a bottom wall of the accommodating groove. The third magnet is disposed on a bottom of the camera module and faces the third coil.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method for controlling a camera module are provided according to implementations of the present disclosure. The electronic device includes a housing, a camera module, a pushing mechanism, and a reversing mechanism. The camera module disposed in the housing. The pushing mechanism is configured to drive the camera module to move from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing. The reversing mechanism is configured to reverse the camera module when the camera module is moved to the outside of the housing.