Retractable Camera Module for High Zoom Without Added Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules with high zoom capabilities face challenges in maintaining a compact form factor due to increased height and complexity, leading to higher costs and processing difficulties, while periscope modules offer limited focal length adjustability and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A retractable camera module with a lens that can adjust its position relative to a photosensitive chip using a retractable assembly driven by a first driving element, allowing for telescopic motion between operating and non-operating states to optimize focal length and module height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the total focal length of the telephoto camera module is increased to achieve higher zoom capability, then the zoom factor is improved, but the overall height and size of the camera module continuously increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lens movable rather than fixed. The lens can be positioned at different distances from the photosensitive chip to achieve variable focal lengths and zoom factors. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the camera module to achieve high zoom capability without requiring a permanently increased overall height, as the lens retracts to a compact position when not in use.
2Length of stationary object
If periscope camera modules with light turning elements are used to reduce overall height, then the height is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the light turning elements (prisms, mirrors) from the camera module structure. Instead of using these complex optical components to change the imaging optical path, the invention achieves height reduction through a simpler mechanism where the lens directly moves closer to the photosensitive chip. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the height reduction goal.
3Length of stationary object
If periscope camera modules are used to achieve larger effective focal length, then the focal length is increased, but the effective focal length becomes fixed and optical performance adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the lens to move to different positions relative to the photosensitive chip. This movement allows the effective focal length to be dynamically adjusted rather than fixed. The lens can be positioned at different distances to achieve varying zoom factors and optical performance characteristics, providing adaptability for different imaging requirements while maintaining a compact form factor.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules are configured to meet diverse consumer needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the cost and processing difficulty surge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single camera module that can perform multiple functions. The movable lens mechanism enables one camera module to achieve various zoom factors and optical performance levels, replacing the need for multiple dedicated camera modules. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components required while still meeting diverse imaging needs, thereby lowering cost and processing difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a retractable camera module and an electronic device, wherein a lens of the retractable camera module is retractable relative to a photosensitive chip thereof, so as to be switched between a working state and a non-working state, wherein in the working state, the lens of the retractable camera module is stretched out for imaging, in the non-working state, the lens of the retractable camera module is retracted back to reduce the overall height of the retractable camera module, in this way, the technical contradiction between the overall height dimension and a large effective focal length of the traditional upright camera module is solved.