Variable Thickness Cover Glass for Camera Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera configurations in electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are limited by the space constraints imposed by cover glasses, which can prevent the inclusion of features like flash modules and high-quality lenses due to the thickness of the cover glass.
Innovation Solution
A cover glass arrangement where a thinner second cover glass is positioned over the light-receiving region of the camera, either as a separate lens or as a monolithic thinner region within the cover glass, providing additional space for improved camera functionality, including higher quality lenses and autofocus features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick cover glass is used to protect the camera, then the cover glass provides adequate protection and structural strength, but the available space for camera components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover glass is designed with varying thickness across different regions: a thinner region over the light-receiving area and a thicker region at the periphery. This local quality variation allows the cover glass to provide adequate structural strength and protection where needed while creating sufficient space for camera components in the critical light-receiving region.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a uniform thickness design to a variable thickness design, adding dimensional complexity to the cover glass structure. This dimensional change enables the cover glass to simultaneously satisfy both protection requirements and space constraints by utilizing the thickness dimension strategically across different spatial locations.
2Volume of moving object
If the cover glass thickness is reduced to provide more space for camera components, then more space is available for lenses and sensors, but the protective function and structural strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reducing thickness, the invention applies local quality by making the cover glass thinner only in the specific region where space is needed (over the light-receiving area) while maintaining greater thickness in peripheral regions for structural support and protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single uniform thickness cover glass is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but camera functionality is limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves from uniform thickness to variable thickness with a thinner region positioned over the light-receiving area. This local variation in thickness enables improved camera functionality including larger sensors and higher quality lenses while remaining manufacturable through established glass forming techniques.
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 arrangement allows for enhanced camera capabilities, such as larger sensors, higher quality lenses, and the inclusion of flash modules, by providing additional space and improving the overall camera performance.
Implementation Method 1
The thinner region can act as a lens for the camera
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a camera and a cover glass arrangement disposed over the camera. The cover glass arrangement includes a thinner region or cover glass that is positioned over a light-receiving region of the camera. Additionally, the thinner region or cover glass can be disposed over the light-receiving region and at least parts of one or more non-light receiving regions of the camera.