Rotatable Camera Module Sliding Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices become thinner and display areas increase, there is a need for effective space disposition of camera modules, particularly in enabling a single camera module to function as both front and rear cameras while ensuring stability against external forces.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable camera module system with a physical locking structure, including a locking hook and guide, that allows the camera to switch between front and rear camera modes without interfering with peripheral structures, using a sliding motion controller and pinion gear mechanism to rotate the camera module unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single camera module is used for both front and rear camera functions, then device thickness is reduced and display area is maximized, but the camera module becomes vulnerable to external forces and may interfere with peripheral structures
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to be movable between different positions (retracted and extended) rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational needs. The module can rotate between front-facing and rear-facing orientations, providing dynamic functionality while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is separated into distinct functional components that can move independently. The camera assembly is divided from the main device body, allowing it to slide and rotate independently within a dedicated space, reducing interference with other components while maintaining stability during operation.
2Reliability
If a locking structure is added to prevent camera module movement, then stability against external forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically based on the camera module's position without requiring external control or complex actuation systems. The locking hook and guide structure engage passively when the module reaches its retracted position, providing stable locking through the inherent mechanics of the sliding motion rather than active control.
3Ease of operation
If the camera module is allowed to rotate freely, then switching between front and rear camera functions is simplified, but the module may interfere with peripheral structures
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated rotation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the camera module and the device housing. This mechanism provides a controlled path for rotation, allowing the module to switch between front and rear orientations while the locking guide prevents deviation from the intended rotation path, thus avoiding interference with surrounding components.
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 maximizes display area by allowing a single camera module to serve both functions, ensuring stability and preventing damage from external forces by physically locking the slide portion, thus optimizing space utilization in thinner devices.
Implementation Method 1
The locking hook and the locking guide limit a movement of the slide portion by a physical locking structure
Implementation Method 2
using a sliding motion controller and pinion gear mechanism to rotate the camera module unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a display positioned in the housing and exposed through a portion of the housing, a slide portion comprising an opening exposed to an outside of the electronic device and configured to slide with respect to the housing, a camera module unit disposed at the opening, configured to rotate within the opening, and to rotate in association with an operation of the slide portion, and a sliding motion controller configured to implement a slide operation of the slide portion and a rotation operation of the camera module unit.