Webcam Shutter Assembly with Rear Actuator for Thin Bezel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated webcam shutters with fixed actuators can unintentionally operate due to accidental bumps and increase the bezel thickness, complicating installation and maintenance while not accommodating thin form factor devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece shutter assembly with a roller-mounted shutter and a manual actuator positioned on the rear cover, allowing for lateral movement along the camera's optical axis, reducing unintentional operation and enabling a thinner bezel design with simplified installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is fixedly integrated into the shutter, then the shutter can be operated reliably, but the bezel thickness increases and the likelihood of unintentional operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly is divided into two independent sub-assemblies: a first sub-assembly fixed to the front bezel containing the shutter and roller, and a second sub-assembly fixed to the rear cover containing the actuator. This segmentation allows the actuator to be positioned away from the bezel, reducing bezel thickness while maintaining operational reliability through the engagement mechanism between the roller and actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is extracted from the front bezel assembly and relocated to the rear cover of the computing device. By taking the actuator out of the bezel structure and positioning it on the rear cover, the bezel thickness is reduced while the actuator remains functionally connected to the shutter through the roller engagement mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If an actuator is fixedly integrated into the shutter, then the shutter operation is controlled, but the shutter can be operated unintentionally due to accidental bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The roller serves as an intermediary element between the actuator and the shutter. The actuator engages with the roller to transmit motion to the shutter, but the roller's design with lateral movement capability and engagement/disengagement features provides a buffer that prevents direct transmission of accidental bumps to the shutter, thereby reducing unintentional operation while maintaining controlled operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is integrated into the shutter, then the shutter function is complete, but installation and maintenance become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shutter system into two separate sub-assemblies that can be independently manufactured and installed, the complexity of installation and maintenance is reduced. Each sub-assembly can be manufactured separately and installed at different locations (front bezel and rear cover), simplifying the overall assembly process and enabling easier maintenance of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is extracted from the shutter assembly and positioned on the rear cover, allowing it to be independently accessed for installation and maintenance. This extraction simplifies the shutter assembly structure, making it easier to manufacture and install, while the actuator can be serviced separately without disassembling the entire shutter mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A webcam shutter assembly includes a first sub-assembly and second sub-assembly formed independently of each other. The first sub-assembly includes a shutter for selectively covering a camera lens, and the second sub-assembly includes a manually operable actuator. The actuator is biased in a non-engaging arrangement with the shutter and is positioned to releasably engage the shutter for movement of the shutter in a lateral direction.