Rotating Optical Module for Full-Screen Sliding Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to sufficiently secure a screen display area on the front face of an electronic device due to the presence of optical modules for video calling, selfie photographing, or face recognition, which occupy space and obstruct the optical path.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a rotating optical module that slides between positions, allowing it to face either the rear or front side of the device, utilizing a gear structure and elastic members to ensure accurate alignment and minimize backlash between gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical module is placed on the front face of the electronic device, then functions such as video calling and selfie photographing are enabled, but the screen display area is reduced due to the optical module occupying space and obstructing the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its facing direction. The module can rotate between facing the front side (for selfie camera, face recognition) and facing the rear side (for video calling), enabling multiple functions to be achieved with a single movable component rather than multiple fixed components occupying screen space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the optical module in the two-dimensional plane of the front screen (which would block the display area), the solution moves the module into the third dimension by allowing it to protrude from and retract into the housing. The module can extend outward when needed and retract when not in use, effectively utilizing the depth dimension to resolve the space conflict.
2Area of stationary object
If a rotating optical module is implemented, then full-screen display is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the sliding mechanism, rotation support, and gear structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated optical module: the selfie camera, face recognition sensor, and video calling camera are all incorporated into one rotatable module. Additionally, the sliding mechanism and rotation mechanism are merged into a coordinated system where the protrusion and rotation actions are interlinked, reducing the need for separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module incorporates an elastic member that provides restoring force, enabling the module to automatically return to its retracted position when the driving force is released. This self-restoring mechanism reduces the need for additional motors or actuators to actively push the module back, simplifying the overall drive system.
3Area of stationary object
If the optical module protrudes from the housing, then the optical path is cleared for full-screen display, but the risk of damage to the optical module increases due to exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module transitions between static (retracted) and dynamic (protruded) states based on operational needs. When not in use, the module remains retracted inside the housing for protection. When needed for selfie photography or video calling, it protrudes to the required position, maintaining full-screen display while minimizing exposure time to potential damage risks.
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 configuration enables a full-screen display by allowing the optical module to rotate out of the way, ensuring a seamless user experience with the optical module's rotation interlocked with the sliding mechanism, maintaining accuracy even with gear backlash.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member comprising a flexible elastic material accommodated in the second housing and configured to provide an elastic force to the optical module
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various embodiments disclosed herein, an electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing and configured to slide in a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction with respect to the first housing between a first position at which at least a portion of the second housing is accommodated in the first housing and a second position at which the second housing protrudes from the first housing; an optical module comprising optical circuitry mounted on the second housing, the optical module configured to be rotated in response to sliding of the second housing to be disposed to face a rear side of the first housing at the first position and to face a front side of the first housing at the second position; and an elastic member comprising a flexible elastic material accommodated in the second housing and configured to provide an elastic force to the optical module. The elastic member may provide the elastic force in a rotating direction of the optical module in a first operation in which the optical module rotates while moving from the first position to the second position or in a second operation in which the optical module rotates while moving from the second position to the first position.