Retractable Rotating Camera Mount for Full-Screen Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals with cameras integrated into the display screen suffer from a low screen-to-body ratio due to camera placement, limiting panoramic shooting capabilities and requiring multiple cameras for different orientations.

Innovation Solution

A camera mounting assembly with a rotating and retractable mounting seat that extends from an accommodation groove, allowing the camera to switch between front and rear shooting modes and enabling panoramic shooting by rotating 180 degrees, while retracting to free up space for a higher screen-to-body ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is integrated into the display screen side, then the camera can be positioned on the front face, but the screen-to-body ratio decreases due to camera space occupation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera positioning flexibilityVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed to be movable between a retracted position (within the housing) and an extended position (protruding from the housing). This dynamic positioning allows the camera to occupy space only when needed for shooting, thereby maintaining a high screen-to-body ratio when the camera is retracted while still enabling front-facing camera functionality when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the camera is fixed in a certain direction, then the camera structure is simple, but the camera cannot perform automatic panoramic shooting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera structure complexityVSAvoidpanoramic shooting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed to rotate around a rotation axis during the ejection process. This rotational movement enables the camera to capture images from multiple angles,实现 automatic panoramic shooting functionality without requiring multiple fixed cameras, thus maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera module is ejected completely, then the camera can shoot in all directions, but the camera occupies excessive space during non-use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshooting direction flexibilityVSAvoidcamera module space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed to be dynamically positionable between a retracted state (within the housing, minimizing space occupation) and an extended state (protruding for shooting). This dynamic design allows the camera to occupy minimal space during non-use while still enabling full shooting functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are used for different orientations, then all shooting modes are covered, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshooting mode coverageVSAvoidcamera system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by combining linear ejection motion with rotational movement. The camera can shoot in different directions (front, rear, panoramic) by adjusting its position and orientation, eliminating the need for multiple separate cameras and thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

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

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

Enhances the screen-to-body ratio by allowing the camera to retract and rotate, enabling versatile shooting modes without the need for multiple cameras, thus improving user experience and design efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the motor 7 drives the screw rod 5 to drive the rotation shaft 2 to move in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the motor 7 drives the screw rod 5 to drive the rotation shaft 2 to move in the vertical direction, and the second fixing plate 42 of the transmission member 4 moves upward under the driving of the screw rod 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the rotation function of the camera module 1 is started, the motor 7 drives the screw rod 5 and the second gear 6 to rotate, and the second gear 6 drives the first gear 3 to rotate, so as to realize the rotation of the camera module 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3860100B1Transmission mechanism and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3860100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3860100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3860100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a transmission mechanism, a driving mechanism assembly, and a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes: a shell (100) including a first mounting face (110) and second mounting face (120) opposite the first mounting, and a side face (130), the first mounting face defining an accommodation groove (111) extending to the side face along a first direction; a camera mounting assembly (300), including a mounting seat (310) and a camera (320), wherein the mounting seat is arranged in the accommodation groove; and a driving mechanism assembly (400), including a driver (410) coupled to the shell and a transmission mechanism (420), the driver is movable to drive, by the transmission mechanism, the mounting seat to extend from the accommodation groove and capable of driving the mounting seat to rotate around a rotating shaft and the rotating shaft being parallel to the first direction.