Shared Camera in Foldable Housing Reduces Thickness

Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in minimizing the number of cameras required, leading to increased thickness and potential obscuration of viewing angles, particularly in in-folding and out-folding types.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device design featuring a housing structure with a camera mounting region that allows for shared front and rear cameras, reducing the number of cameras needed and optimizing the camera placement to minimize obscuration of viewing angles by using inclined edges and strategic placement of camera modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are disposed on both faces of a foldable electronic device, then the viewing angle coverage is improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing angle coverageVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a shared camera system where a single camera module serves dual functions as both front and rear camera depending on the folding state. When unfolded, the camera acts as a rear camera; when folded, the same camera becomes accessible from the front. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate front and rear camera modules, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining comprehensive viewing angle coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic camera disposition system where the functional role of the camera changes based on the device's folding state. The camera's effective position and orientation are dynamically adjusted through the mechanical folding action, allowing the same physical component to serve different purposes (front/rear camera) at different times, thus resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and thin profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If cameras are mounted on the second face in a folded state, then the front camera function is achieved, but the viewing angle is obscured by the housing structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront camera functionVSAvoidviewing angle obscuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the camera module from the conventional enclosed mounting position and positions it at an edge region of the housing. This extraction allows the camera to be accessible from the front when folded while minimizing interference from the housing structure. The camera is effectively removed from the obstructive environment of the main housing body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the camera mounting from a traditional face-centered two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional edge position. By placing the camera at the edge region rather than on the main face, the design utilizes the third dimension (depth/edge position) to achieve front camera functionality while avoiding obscuration from the housing structure that would block a face-mounted camera.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of stationary object

If a smaller number of cameras are mounted to reduce thickness, then the device thickness is reduced, but the camera viewing angle coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidcamera viewing angle coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a shared camera system where a single camera module serves dual functions as both front and rear camera depending on the folding state. When unfolded, the camera acts as a rear camera; when folded, the same camera becomes accessible from the front. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate front and rear camera modules, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining comprehensive viewing angle coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the camera mounting from a traditional face-centered two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional edge position. By placing the camera at the edge region rather than on the main face, the design utilizes the third dimension (depth/edge position) to achieve front camera functionality while avoiding obscuration from the housing structure that would block a face-mounted camera.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11493962B2Electronic device with flexible display and camera

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes as a foldable housing, a first housing structure which includes a first face facing a first direction, a second face facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a first side member surrounding at least part of a space between the first face and the second face and including at least one second conductive portion, and a second housing structure which includes a third face facing a third direction, a fourth face facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and a second side member surrounding at least part of a space between the third face and the fourth face, a flexible display extending from the first face to the third face, and at least one camera disposed to the camera mounting region.