Rotating Camera Module for Flexible Display Internal Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic devices with flexible displays, internal space limitations pose challenges for arranging and mounting electronic components, particularly when the display is rolled out, requiring a flexible mounting structure for components like cameras to accommodate structural deformation.

Innovation Solution

A camera module is designed to rotate and adjust its position corresponding to the structural deformation of the electronic device, allowing it to photograph both the front and rear, with the option for a single or multiple cameras to optimize internal space and reduce manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a flexible display is rolled out in the electronic device, then the display area is expanded, but the internal space for mounting electronic components becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed with a rotatable structure that allows it to dynamically change its position and orientation according to the deployment state of the flexible display. When the display is rolled out, the camera module rotates to accommodate the changed spatial configuration, enabling both the expanded display area and adequate space utilization for electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are mounted for front and rear photography, then the photographing functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing functionalityVSAvoidcamera mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single camera module is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different positions. The same camera unit can photograph both the front and rear of the electronic device depending on its rotational position, eliminating the need for separate front and rear camera modules. This reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining versatile photographing functionality.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If a single camera is used for both front and rear photography, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the camera must rotate which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcamera rotation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module incorporates a rotatable mounting structure that enables a single camera to serve dual purposes. The rotation mechanism allows the camera to be positioned for either front or rear photography as needed, achieving cost reduction through component unification while the dynamic rotation capability adapts to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3998598B1Electronic device including flexible display
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3998598B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3998598B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3998598B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a flexible display. The electronic device may include a first structure including a first plate, the first plate including a first surface and a second surface facing a direction opposite the first surface, a second structure including a second plate facing the second surface of the first plate and a first side wall extending from the second plate, a flexible touch screen display, and a camera device arranged between the first structure and the second structure.