Shape-Memory Alloy Support Member for Dual-Camera Notches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of minimizing the gap between two front cameras in electronic devices to reduce the notch screen length while ensuring structural support and preventing damage from impact forces, particularly in devices lacking a support structure between the cameras.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support member made of shape memory alloy that can deform between two shapes, allowing it to penetrate the gap at low temperature and form a larger support part at high temperature to abut against a support part, enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the gap between the two front cameras is minimized to reduce the notch screen length, then the appearance effect is improved, but the structural support is insufficient and impact forces can be transmitted to the cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to dynamically change its shape based on temperature conditions. At low temperature (first shape), it has a small profile to fit in the narrow gap between cameras. At high temperature (second shape), it expands to provide adequate support structure, thus adapting its properties to different operational states to resolve the contradiction between minimizing gap and providing support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes temperature as a parameter to change the physical state of the support member. By controlling the temperature, the support member transitions between two distinct shapes with different dimensional characteristics, allowing the same component to satisfy both the space constraint (small gap) and the support requirement (adequate structure) under different conditions.
2Reliability
If a support structure is disposed between the two front cameras to prevent impact force transmission, then the camera reliability is improved, but the gap between cameras increases and the notch screen length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a compact first shape that minimizes gap occupation to an expanded second shape that provides comprehensive support. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to provide reliable camera protection while maintaining a compact appearance when the temperature-dependent shape change is considered.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member in its first shape can be nested within or alongside the camera assembly in the narrow gap, and then transformed into the second shape to provide external support. This nesting approach allows the support structure to occupy minimal space during assembly while providing adequate protection when activated.
3Reliability
If a rigid support structure is used between the cameras, then the impact protection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex rigid structure, the invention employs a simple support member whose properties are changed through temperature parameter. This single-parameter control (temperature) enables the transition between support states, significantly reducing structural complexity compared to designing a permanently rigid support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is made of shape memory alloy, which is a composite material exhibiting unique properties. This material combines the characteristics of flexibility and rigidity, allowing the support member to be simple in form yet complex in function, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and protective capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support member is made of shape memory alloy to enable shape transformation, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to temperature-dependent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention deliberately uses parameter changes (temperature) to achieve shape transformation. By designing the support member with specific shape memory alloy properties and predetermined transformation temperatures, the manufacturing process can control the final shape through temperature management rather than requiring extreme dimensional precision during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is pre-formed with the first shape (compact configuration) before assembly, allowing it to be installed in the narrow gap without requiring precise positioning. The transformation to the second shape (support configuration) occurs after assembly through temperature change, separating the positioning requirement from the support requirement and reducing manufacturing precision demands.
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
Effectively supports the cameras, preventing damage from impact forces and maintaining camera functionality by increasing contact area and stability, even in narrow gaps.
Implementation Method 1
At least a part, away from the main board support, of the support member is made of a shape memory alloy. At least the part, away from the main board support, of the support member is deformable between a first shape and a second shape
Implementation Method 2
heating the support member to a second preset temperature, so that the support region of the support member is deformed to form the second support part
Implementation Method 3
cooling the support member to a first preset temperature, so that a support region of the support member is in a flat shape
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an electronic device, including a main board support, a main board upper-cover, a first camera, a second camera, and a support member. A cavity is formed between the main board support and the main board upper-cover, and the first camera and the second camera are disposed in the cavity and form a gap. The main board upper-cover has a first support part, the first support part is located between the first camera and the second camera and extends towards the gap. The support member is connected to the main board support, and at least a part, away from the main board support, of the support member, is made of a shape memory alloy and is deformable between a first shape and a second shape.