Single Actuator Shutter for Visual and Infrared Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in securely managing access to both visual and infrared cameras, with dual shutters increasing complexity and cost, and existing solutions fail to provide reliable unauthorized access prevention and power management without relying on processing resources or logical LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A single electromechanical actuator is used to control a shutter assembly that blocks and exposes both visual and infrared cameras, with spring biased connectors for adaptability across different platforms and heights, and a speaker for audible feedback, ensuring secure operation and power management without relying on processing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual shutters with separate actuators are used for visual and infrared cameras, then each camera can be independently controlled, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate shutters (visual camera shutter and infrared camera shutter) into a single integrated shutter assembly controlled by one electromechanical actuator. The single shutter includes a visual camera aperture portion and an infrared camera aperture portion, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining independent control capability through selective aperture opening/closing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electromechanical actuator serves multiple functions: it controls both the visual camera aperture and the infrared camera aperture, replacing what would traditionally require two separate actuators. The shutter assembly is designed to universally protect both camera types while enabling selective access based on authorized use.
2Reliability
If separate shutters are used for visual and infrared cameras, then each camera has independent control, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manufacturing of two separate shutter assemblies into a single integrated shutter assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the security function of protecting both visual and infrared cameras.
3Device complexity
If a single shutter controls both cameras, then complexity is reduced, but one camera exposure may expose the other to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The single shutter is segmented into two functional portions: a visual camera aperture portion and an infrared camera aperture portion. Each portion can be independently opened or closed, allowing the system to expose only the authorized camera while keeping the unauthorized camera blocked. This segmentation maintains security while using a single actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter assembly incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow selective opening and closing of different aperture portions based on authorized use. The system can dynamically adjust which camera (visual or infrared) is exposed by controlling the respective aperture portions independently, even though both are part of a single shutter assembly.
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 solution reduces complexity and cost by using a single actuator for both cameras, maintains security by controlling camera power based on authorized use, and provides audible feedback for user awareness, adapting to various camera configurations and ensuring secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
a single electromechanical actuator... provides a single actuation between open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
A speaker cone in the shutter assembly has a base magnet that interacts with electromechanical actuator magnetic fields at shutter actuation to generate an audible sound
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system camera module has a single shutter that slides in response to a single shutter mechanism to manage access for a field of view of both a visual camera and an infrared camera by sliding only between first and second positions, the first position aligning an opening of the shutter with a visual camera and a shield visual camera opening, the second position blocking the opening of the shutter and extending an end of the shutter over infrared camera.