Sliding Camera Module for High Screen-to-Body Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to increase the screen-to-body ratio of mobile phones while accommodating camera devices on the front face, which typically limits the display layout space.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design featuring a slidable device with cameras that can retract into a groove, allowing the display screen to occupy more space when the cameras are not in use, thereby enhancing the screen-to-body ratio and enabling flexible camera usage without obstructing the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If camera devices are arranged on the front face to provide better user experience, then camera functionality is improved, but the screen-to-body ratio deteriorates due to limited layout space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed to be movable between a retracted position (within the groove) and an extended position (outside the groove). This dynamic configuration allows the camera to occupy space only when needed, resolving the contradiction between providing camera functionality and maintaining a high screen-to-body ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the camera on the front face (2D plane), the camera is positioned in a groove that extends from the front face toward the rear face (3D space). This dimensional change allows the camera to be accessed when needed without permanently occupying front face space, thus maintaining the screen-to-body ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the slidable device is extended outward to expose both cameras, then camera functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera accessibilityVSAvoidslidable mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is segmented into a slidable device that can be independently moved from the main terminal body. This segmentation allows the complex slidable mechanism to be isolated as a separate module, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slidable device serves multiple functions: it houses both the first and second cameras, provides a unified moving structure for camera exposure, and can be controlled to expose either or both cameras based on operational needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3525432B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3525432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525432B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile terminal may include left and right side faces (101, 102), front and rear side faces (103, 104), and top and bottom faces (105, 106). A groove (10) may be defined in the mobile terminal, and penetrate the left and right side faces (101, 102). The mobile terminal may include a slidable device (1), a first display screen (21), a first camera (31), and a second camera (32). The first display screen (21) may be arranged on the front side face (103), and the first camera (31) and the second camera (32) may be arranged on the slidable device (1). When the slidable device (1) slides into the groove (10), the first camera (31) is blocked and the second camera (32) may be exposed; when the slidable device (1) slides out of the groove (10), the first camera (31) and the second camera (32) may be both exposed.