Rotating Camera Module for Bezel-less Mobile Terminal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminals with bezel-less screens face challenges in achieving a true bezel-less design due to the need for external camera placement, which compromises the thin design and screen area.
Innovation Solution
A rotation module with a camera that can rotate 180 degrees from a notch in the back cover to serve as both rear- and front-facing camera, eliminating the need for separate camera placements and allowing a seamless display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a front-facing camera is placed outside the screen area, then camera functionality is achieved, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced and bezel-less design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate between facing forward and facing backward positions. This dynamic positioning enables the camera to be integrated within the screen area while maintaining functionality, thus achieving a bezel-less design without sacrificing camera capability
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera module serves multiple functions by rotating to different orientations. The same physical camera unit can function as both a front-facing camera for selfies and video calls, and a rear-facing camera for photography, eliminating the need for separate camera openings and maximizing screen area
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are placed on the device, then comprehensive camera functionality is achieved, but the number of camera holes increases and thin design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
One camera module is designed to perform the work of multiple cameras through rotation. The same physical unit can be oriented to face different directions, providing front-facing and rear-facing camera capabilities, flash functionality, and even macro photography capabilities without requiring multiple separate camera components
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple camera functions that would traditionally require separate physical cameras are merged into a single rotating camera module. This consolidation reduces the number of camera holes needed and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining comprehensive camera functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If camera module is made accessible outside housing, then camera functionality is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module uses a rotation mechanism that allows it to access different positions within the device thickness rather than requiring constant external exposure. When not in use, the camera can be rotated into a retracted position, reducing the effective thickness and allowing for a thinner device design while maintaining full camera functionality when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes: a display, a back cover, a middle frame, a rotation module, and a drive mechanism. The middle frame includes a fastened part and a movable part. The fastened part is fixedly connected to the display and the back cover, and the movable part is connected to the rotation module. The drive mechanism is disposed between the display and the back cover, and a notch is disposed on the top of the back cover, and the rotation module is located at the notch. The rotation module includes a camera, and an outer surface of the rotation module and the back cover are spliced into an outer surface of the mobile terminal. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the rotation module to rise, fall, and rotate, so that the camera has functions of both a rear-facing camera and a front-facing camera. In a process in which the drive mechanism drives the rotation module to rise and fall, the movable part rises and falls synchronously with the rotation module. When the rotation module is accommodated in the notch, the movable part and the fastened part are spliced into the middle frame.