Rotating Bolt Locking Mechanism for Detachable Mobile Camera Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals lack a versatile and efficient mechanism for mounting and detaching image capturing devices, limiting user flexibility and camera functionality.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism comprising a rotatably connected resisting member and bolt that moves between two positions to securely lock or detach the image capturing device from a mounting recess, allowing for communication and flexible use of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a locking mechanism is designed to securely mount the image capturing device, then the device stability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism employs a dynamic bolt that can move between a first position (engaged with the engaging slot for secure mounting) and a second position (disengaged for detachment). The resisting member rotates to drive the bolt between these positions, enabling the device to transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic design provides secure mounting when needed while allowing easy detachment when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the interaction between the bolt and the engaging slot. When the bolt moves to the first position, it automatically engages with the engaging slot to secure the image capturing device without requiring additional locking actions. The mechanism serves itself by using the rotational motion of the resisting member to both lock and unlock the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the image capturing device is made detachable from the terminal device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of detachmentVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the image capturing device and terminal device is designed to be dynamically changeable. The bolt can be moved between an engaged state (first position) that provides reliable connection and a disengaged state (second position) that allows easy detachment. This dynamic design enables the connection reliability to be high when mounted while maintaining ease of operation when detachment is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the security of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism merges multiple functions into a compact structure. The bolt serves both as a locking element and a positioning element, while the resisting member combines rotation and driving functions. The engaging slot integrates both guidance and locking features. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining attachment security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides locking engagement with the engaging slot, positions the image capturing device during mounting, and can be easily moved between locked and unlocked states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining attachment security.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3849162B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3849162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3849162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3849162B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile terminal comprises a terminal apparatus (100), an image capture apparatus (200) and a locking mechanism (300). The terminal apparatus (100) comprises a display screen (120). An installation recess (130) is formed at the terminal apparatus (100). The image capture apparatus (200) comprises an enclosure (210) and a camera module (220). The image capture apparatus (200) can be installed in the installation recess (130), such that a light-entering surface (211) is exposed to one side away from a display region. An engagement recess (211) is formed at the enclosure (210). The locking mechanism (300) comprises an abutment member (310) and a latch bolt (320). The abutment member (210) is rotatably connected to the terminal apparatus (100) and abuts the latch bolt (320). After the image capture apparatus (200) has been installed in the installation recess (130), the latch bolt (320) is movable between a first position and a second position. The latch bolt (320) is engaged at the engagement recess (211) in the first position. The latch bolt (320) exits the engagement recess (211) in the second position to allow detachment of the image capture apparatus (200) from the installation recess (130).