Spherical Housing 360 Camera Lens Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 360-degree image capturing devices face challenges in minimizing lens damage during rotation and maintaining thermal equilibrium between image sensors, which affects image quality and durability.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a spherical housing with opposing convex lens covers that rotate around an optical axis to minimize scratches and a thermal equilibrium circulation member to manage temperature differences between image sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera device rotates to capture 360-degree images, then the coverage area is improved, but the lens cover is susceptible to damage such as scratches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve360-degree image capture capabilityVSAvoidlens cover damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with a spherical shape and the lens covers are positioned on the outer surface. This spherical configuration allows the device to rotate smoothly while the convex lens covers protrude outward, minimizing contact with external surfaces and reducing the risk of scratches during 360-degree rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens covers are designed to protrude from the housing surface in advance, creating a protective convex structure that prevents direct contact with external objects before damage can occur. This preliminary structural arrangement protects the lenses during rotation without requiring additional protective mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple image sensors are used for 360-degree photographing, then the image capture quality is improved, but temperature deviation between sensors affects image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture qualityVSAvoidtemperature deviation between image sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second image sensors are disposed adjacent to each other within the same housing structure. This merging of sensor locations allows them to experience similar thermal environments, reducing temperature deviation between sensors while maintaining separate optical paths for 360-degree image capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is designed to provide localized thermal management for each image sensor. By positioning sensors adjacently and designing the housing to facilitate heat distribution, each sensor receives appropriate thermal conditions tailored to its specific location, minimizing temperature differences that would affect image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the housing allows rotation for 360-degree capture, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational capabilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical housing design simplifies the rotational mechanism by eliminating the need for complex joints or hinges. The smooth curved surface allows the entire housing to rotate freely around the optical axis, achieving 360-degree capture capability through a simple rotational design rather than complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the internal components, provides the rotational structure for 360-degree capture, and positions the lens covers on its outer surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables effective 360-degree image capture while protecting the lenses and maintaining consistent image quality by reducing thermal disparities between sensors.

Implementation Method 1

provides a thermal equilibrium/circulation member that minimizes a temperature deviation between first and second image sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10165165B2Electronic device for image photographing

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided which includes a housing, a first camera module disposed on a first portion of the housing to face in a first direction, and having a first lens cover protruding in a convex shape from an outer surface of the housing, and a second camera module disposed on a second portion of the housing, which is positioned to be opposite to the first portion of the housing, to face in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and having a second lens cover protruding in a convex shape from an outer surface of the housing.