Sliding Camera Module Driven by Electromagnetic Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminals face challenges in achieving full-screen displays due to the need for a hole in the screen to accommodate camera modules, which reduces the display-to-screen area ratio.

Innovation Solution

A camera assembly with a sliding mechanism using a magnet and electromagnetic element allows the camera module to move between an extended and retracted position, eliminating the need for a permanent hole in the screen by using a guiding system and slots to facilitate movement within the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hole is defined on the glass substrate of the screen to accommodate the camera module, then the camera module can be exposed for signal penetration, but the display area ratio of the screen is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module exposureVSAvoiddisplay area ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is made movable between a retracted position (inside the main body) and an exposed position (outside the main body) through a sliding mechanism driven by electromagnetic elements. This dynamic positioning allows the screen to be continuous without holes when the camera is retracted, while still enabling camera functionality when exposed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is extracted from the screen area and placed in a separate sliding assembly that can move independently. The camera module is housed in a sliding bracket that travels along guiding elements, separating the camera function from the display surface and eliminating the need for a permanent hole in the screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the camera module is permanently exposed through the screen, then camera functionality is always available, but the device volume increases and display continuity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module transitions from a static permanently-exposed configuration to a dynamic sliding mechanism. The electromagnetic driving structure enables the camera to move between retracted and exposed positions on demand, maintaining camera functionality while minimizing device volume and preserving display continuity when the camera is not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is nested within the sliding bracket, which itself is nested within the main body when retracted. This nested arrangement allows the camera to be compactly stored inside the device volume, only extending outward when needed, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining full camera functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 increases the display area-to-total screen area ratio, reduces the device's volume, and enhances user experience by allowing the camera to be hidden when not in use, thus enabling a more seamless and larger display.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic element arranged on the fixed holder and configured to generate repulsive force and attractive force to the magnet to drive the sliding means to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3481035B1Mobilephone camera slidable by electromagnetic force
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3481035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3481035B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3481035B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A camera assembly (30) may include a fixed holder (40), sliding means (50) connected to the fixed holder (40), configured to move relative to the fixed holder (40) and including a magnet (56), a camera module (60) arranged on the sliding means (50) and configured to move between a first position at which the camera module (60) extends out of the fixed holder (40) and a second position at which the camera module (60) retracts into the fixed holder (40) with movement of the sliding means (50) and an electromagnetic element (70) arranged on the fixed holder (40) and configured to generate repulsive force and attractive force to the magnet (56) to drive the sliding means (50) to move, such that the camera module (60) could move between the first position and the second position.