Solid State Optical Shutter for Compact Camera Reliability

Solution Overview

Problem

Small camera shutters in mobile communication devices are expensive, prone to malfunction, and occupy valuable space due to their complex electromechanical nature.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state, electronically switched optical shutter using a substrate with a transparent conductive layer and an electrochromatic material that changes from transparent to opaque without scattering, controlled by electronic circuitry for timing, allowing for a compact and reliable shutter solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electromechanical shutters are used in small cameras, then the shutter function is achieved, but the device becomes complex, expensive, and occupies valuable space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter reliabilityVSAvoidshutter complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electromechanical shutter system with a solid-state electronically controlled optical system. The shutter function is achieved through electronic control of optical properties rather than mechanical movement, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable shutter operation in small camera devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes materials that can change their optical parameters (transmittance) in response to electrical fields. By changing the electrical state of the material rather than its physical position, the system achieves shutter function with simpler structure and higher reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional electromechanical shutters are used in small cameras, then the shutter function is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electromechanical shutter system with a solid-state electronically controlled optical system. The shutter function is achieved through electronic control of optical properties rather than mechanical movement, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable shutter operation in small camera devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs solid-state optical materials that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, replacing expensive precision mechanical components with more cost-effective electronic materials and processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional electromechanical shutters are used in small cameras, then the shutter function is achieved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutter reliabilityVSAvoidcamera size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electromechanical shutter system with a solid-state electronically controlled optical system. The shutter function is achieved through electronic control of optical properties rather than mechanical movement, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable shutter operation in small camera devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes thin-film solid-state optical materials that can be integrated into compact camera structures, replacing bulky mechanical shutter assemblies with thin, space-efficient electronic optical layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable shutter that does not add bulk to small cameras, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing malfunctions, while maintaining high transmittance and reflectance ratios.

Implementation Method 1

The electronically controlled material is configured to change from substantially transparent to substantially opaque, without scattering, by changing the state of the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS8223217B2Solid state shutter devices and methods

Publication Date: 2012.07.17 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are methods and devices for solid state electronically switched optical shutters of cameras and other devices. The disclosed non-mechanical camera shutter includes an electronically controlled material that provides optical density variation, to transition the shutter from being open to being closed. The layer of electronically controlled material is configured to change from substantially to transparent to substantially opaque, without scattering, by changing the state of the material. The transmittance period is the period of time that the layer changes transmittance from approximately 100% to approximately 0%. Electronic circuitry is in communication with a timing control module that is configured to provide a signal output to a transparent conductive layer proximal to the layer of electronically controlled material to initiate a change in its transmissivity. The described electronically switched optical component would add little or no additional bulk to a small camera.