Sliding Camera Assembly with Magnetic Drive for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face challenges in providing a large screen display while accommodating camera functions, as existing camera assemblies are bulky and occupy valuable display space, limiting the expansion of the display area.

Innovation Solution

A camera assembly with a sliding mechanism using a magnetic structure and guiding device, allowing the camera module to extend outside the housing assembly, thereby reducing the occupied space and enhancing display area when not in use, and automatically retracting to prevent dust ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a camera assembly is integrated into a mobile terminal, then camera functionality is provided, but the display area is reduced due to the bulky camera structure occupying space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidcamera assembly space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera assembly is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows it to dynamically change position between extended and retracted states. The support device can slide along the guiding device within the housing assembly, enabling the camera module to move from a retracted position (saving display space) to an extended position (providing camera functionality).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera assembly is nested within the housing assembly when not in use. The support device with the camera module slides within the guiding device that is integrated into the housing assembly, allowing the camera structure to be contained within the terminal body and not protrude outward, thereby maximizing the display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding mechanism is added to enable camera extension, then camera functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidsliding mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical drive systems (such as motors, gears, and linkages) with a simpler sliding mechanism. The support device slides along the guiding device within the housing assembly, using basic mechanical guidance rather than complex actuation systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining camera functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera assembly is divided into separate functional components: the housing assembly, the guiding device, and the support device with the camera module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure and making the sliding mechanism easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of moving object

If the camera assembly is made compact to fit within housing, then display space is maximized, but dust protection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddust ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera assembly is extracted from the display area when not in use by sliding it into a retracted position within the housing assembly. This extraction ensures that the camera module does not protrude from the terminal body, maintaining a compact form factor while the housing assembly provides dust protection for the retracted camera components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic sliding mechanism allows the camera assembly to transition between extended and retracted states. When retracted, the camera module is positioned within the housing assembly where it is protected from dust and environmental factors, while still maintaining functionality when extended for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables a more compact camera assembly that can extend to provide camera functionality without occupying display space, enhancing user experience by increasing the display area and improving aesthetics, while ensuring dust protection.

Implementation Method 1

a second magnetic structure disposed on the fixed holder, aligned with the camera module in a sliding direction, and configured to generate a magnetic field, wherein the second magnetic structure interacts with the first magnetic structure to apply a force to drive the support device to slide in the sliding direction of the support device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3678362B1Camera assembly and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3678362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3678362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3678362B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a camera assembly and a mobile terminal. The camera assembly comprises a fixing frame, a support device, a guiding device, a camera module and a second magnetic structure. The support device has a first magnetic structure. The guiding device is connected to the fixing frame and the support device, respectively. The support device is slidably connected to the fixing frame by means of the guiding device. The camera module is arranged on the support device. The second magnetic structure is used for generating a magnetic field, and the second magnetic structure interacts with the first magnetic structure to apply a force to the support device in the sliding direction of the support device for sliding the support device. The support device slides under the guidance of the guiding device. This solution can achieve the purpose of enabling the camera module to freely protrude out of the mobile terminal.