Rotary Reflective Camera Assembly for Foldable Dual-Side Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in integrating multiple camera functionalities while maintaining a compact form factor, particularly in foldable devices where camera modules are required to operate efficiently in both unfolded and folded states.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly is designed with a rotary body and reflective surfaces that allow light to propagate through multiple camera holes, utilizing magnetic forces to control the closure of camera holes and incorporating a lens barrel and image sensor for efficient light capture, enabling flexible operation in various device configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera functionalities are integrated into a compact form factor, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera functionalities (front camera and rear camera) into a single camera assembly located at one end of the foldable device. The case integrates multiple camera holes and the rotary body consolidates reflective surfaces for both front and rear camera operations, merging what would traditionally be separate camera modules into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotary body that can rotate between different positions to dynamically switch between front camera and rear camera modes. The reflective surfaces on the rotary body are positioned to direct light differently based on the rotation angle, enabling the same physical assembly to perform multiple camera functions through dynamic reconfiguration rather than requiring separate static modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera modules operate in both unfolded and folded states, then device adaptability is improved, but light propagation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary body dynamically adjusts its position based on whether the device is in folded or unfolded state. When folded, the rotary body rotates to position reflective surfaces that direct light through the appropriate camera holes for front camera operation. When unfolded, it positions reflective surfaces for rear camera operation, optimizing light propagation paths for each device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones with separate camera holes (first camera hole for front camera, second camera hole for rear camera) and separate reflective surfaces on the rotary body. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light paths for front and rear camera operations, enabling efficient light capture in both folded and unfolded states without interference between the two camera systems.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic forces are used to control camera hole closure, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (such as motors, gears, or linkages) with a magnetic control system. Magnets are positioned to interact with magnetically attractable materials on the rotary body, using magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to rotate the rotary body into different positions. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission components while achieving precise control of the reflective surfaces and camera hole closure.
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 allows for efficient light capture and camera functionality in both unfolded and folded states, enhancing the versatility and compactness of electronic devices with integrated camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective surface configured to be coupled to the first coil to close the first camera hole by magnetic force between the first coil and the first magnetic material, a second reflective surface configured to be coupled to the second coil to close the second camera hole by magnetic force between the second coil and the second magnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electronic device. An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: a display defining a first surface of the electronic device, a housing defining a second surface of the electronic device spaced apart from the first surface, and a camera assembly at least partially disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The camera assembly includes: a case including a first camera hole open toward the first surface and a second camera hole open toward the second side, a rotary body rotatably disposed between the first camera hole and the second camera hole and including a first reflective surface configured to reflect light passing through the first camera hole, and a second reflective surface configured to reflect light passing through the second camera hole, an image sensor spaced apart from the rotary body and configured to receive the light reflected from the first and/or second reflective surface, a lens barrel disposed between the image sensor and the rotating body, a lens disposed inside the lens barrel, and an actuator configured to move the image sensor along a direction in which the image sensor and the rotary body are spaced apart from each other.