Rotating Camera Module With Flexible Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with full-screen displays, the integration of a front-facing camera module limits the size of the display since the camera needs to be exposed on the front surface, compromising the ability to have a large screen area.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that moves between two positions, initially being housed inside the device and then protruding from the side to face the front, allowing it to capture images both in front of and behind the device without exposing it on the front surface, utilizing a flexible printed circuit board and cam structures for motion and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module is exposed on the front surface to capture front-facing images, then the camera functionality is improved, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is moved from the traditional front surface (2D plane) to the side surface of the device, utilizing the third dimension (depth/side direction). This allows the camera to capture front-facing images without occupying front display area, as it now operates from a lateral position while maintaining imaging capability through rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is designed with movable and rotatable components that allow it to dynamically change its position and orientation. It can rotate between facing the front direction and the rear direction, and move between protruding from the side member and being retracted inside the housing, enabling versatile imaging functionality without fixed front surface exposure.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera module moves between inside the housing and outside the housing, then the display area is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable and rotatable functions are combined into a single integrated camera module assembly. The camera module includes both movement capability (along the third direction) and rotation capability (between front and rear directions) within one unified structure, reducing the need for separate mechanical systems and simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible printed circuit board is used to connect the camera module with the printed circuit board. This flexible connection allows the camera module to move and rotate while maintaining electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for complex rigid wiring harnesses and reducing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module rotates to face different directions, then the versatility is improved, but the flexibility of connections required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves as the connection medium between the camera module and the main printed circuit board. This flexible circuit can accommodate the rotational movement of the camera module while maintaining stable electrical connections, allowing the camera to face different directions (front, rear, or intermediate positions) without requiring complex rotary connectors or cable management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain aspects of the disclosure, an electronic device comprises a housing including a first plate facing a first direction, a second plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side member configured to surround a space between the first plate and the second plate; a camera module, at least part of which is disposed in the space; a printed circuit board disposed in the space; and a flexible printed circuit board connecting the camera module and the printed circuit board, wherein between a first position in which the at least part of the camera module is located in the space and a second position in which the at least part of the camera module is located outside the housing in a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, the camera module moves in the third direction and rotates to face the first direction or the second direction, wherein the camera module includes a flexible printed circuit board frame configured to receive or shield at least part of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes: a rollable portion including a first distal end of the flexible printed circuit board and a rollable area, wherein the first distal end is connected to one area of the camera module, and at least part of the rollable area is wrapped or unwrapped in the same direction as the rotation of the camera module; a movable portion including a curved area and a second distal end of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the second distal end extends from the curved area and is connected to the printed circuit board, and a position of the curved area is changed to correspond to the motion of the camera module in the third direction; and a connecting portion configured to connect the rollable portion and the movable portion, and wherein the flexible printed circuit board frame includes: a cylindrical area configured to receive or shield at least part of the rollable portion; and a planar area configured to receive or shield at least part of the movable portion and at least part of the connecting portion, wherein the at least part of the connecting portion is fixed to the planar area.