Sliding Flexible Display Layout With Nested Camera Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with sliding structures face challenges in minimizing the protrusion of rear camera modules and ensuring smooth sliding motions without interference with the display.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a first structure and a second structure that slide relative to each other, with the display moving together, and includes rear camera modules arranged in a row and overlapping the front camera module to minimize protrusion, along with a circuit board structure for improved mountability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the rear camera module is made larger to improve imaging performance, then the imaging capability is improved, but the protrusion degree increases and may interfere with the display during sliding motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidprotrusion degree
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the rear camera module inside the space occupied by the front camera module. Specifically, the rear camera module is positioned within the projection area of the front camera module along the thickness direction, allowing the rear camera to be nested within the front camera's spatial envelope. This eliminates additional protrusion while accommodating both camera modules with improved imaging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera arrangement (side-by-side or stacked on the same plane) to three-dimensional arrangement by utilizing the thickness direction. The rear camera module is positioned at a different depth along the Z-axis (thickness direction) relative to the front camera module, creating a layered configuration that reduces protrusion while maintaining imaging performance.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the sliding structure is designed to expand the display area, then the display area is expanded, but the rear camera module may interfere with the display during sliding motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidinterference with display
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the rear camera module from the sliding path area by positioning it within the front camera module's projection. This separation removes the potential source of interference (rear camera) from the harmful interaction zone (display sliding path), allowing the display to expand freely without obstruction or interference from camera modules during sliding motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If multiple camera modules are arranged to improve imaging performance, then the imaging capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidcamera arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spatial occupation of multiple camera modules by positioning the rear camera module within the front camera module's projection area. This combining approach allows multiple camera modules to share the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall complexity of camera arrangement while maintaining enhanced imaging capabilities through multiple lenses and sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4170454B1Electronic device comprising flexible display
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4170454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4170454B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises: a first structure; a second structure slidably coupled to the first structure; a display of which at least a portion is disposed in the second structure and which moves together with the second structure with respect to the first structure; a module unit disposed on the second structure so as to move together with the second structure, the module unit including at least one from among a front camera module, a sensor module and a speaker module; and a plurality of rear cameras disposed on a portion of the first structure, wherein the plurality of rear cameras include a first camera module and a second camera module arranged in the direction perpendicular to a sliding direction, the first camera module is formed to be thinner than the second camera module, and at least a portion of the module unit can be disposed at a position overlapping with that of the first camera module. Other various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.