Clustered Instrument Panel Layering for Dashboard Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional instrument panels in vehicles occupy significant space, making it challenging to display multiple information types, especially in vehicles with limited space, and fail to efficiently integrate various vehicle parameters and notifications.
Innovation Solution
A clustered instrument panel design where individual panels are layered on top of each other, with information presented in gap areas or within the panels, allowing for flexible configuration and compact display of multiple metrics on a single dashboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple separate instrument panels are placed on the dashboard, then each parameter can be displayed independently, but the dashboard space is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instrument panels (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, temperature meter, and various indicators) into a single clustered instrument panel assembly. This merging allows all vehicle parameters to be displayed in one compact location, reducing the total dashboard space required while maintaining complete information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panels are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller circular panels are positioned within or around larger panels. For example, the temperature meter and various indicator lights are nested within the larger speedometer assembly, creating a compact hierarchical structure that maximizes space efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate instrument panels are used, then each panel can be independently designed, but it becomes challenging to display additional information such as entertainment and notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The clustered instrument panel assembly serves multiple functions beyond traditional vehicle parameter display. It integrates entertainment information display, notification alerts, navigation directions, and environmental controls within the same compact structure, making the dashboard space versatile and adaptable to various information types.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel employs a digital display system that can dynamically change its content and layout based on driving conditions and user preferences. The display can switch between different information types (speed, navigation, entertainment, notifications) and adjust its configuration, providing flexibility without requiring additional physical space.
3Loss of information
If more instrument panels are added to display additional vehicle parameters, then information completeness improves, but the dashboard becomes cluttered and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The clustered instrument panel divides the display into distinct functional segments or zones. Each segment (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, temperature indicator) is clearly separated and organized within the overall assembly, allowing multiple parameters to be displayed without creating a cluttered appearance. The segmentation maintains order and reduces perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the instrument panel assembly are optimized for specific types of information display. Critical driving information (speed, RPM) is placed in prominent positions with larger display elements, while secondary information (odometer, temperature) occupies smaller or peripheral areas. This local optimization ensures information completeness while maintaining a clean, organized layout.
Data Source
AI summary
A clustered instrument panel on a display of a dashboard in a transportation apparatus is disclosed. The clustered instrument panel may be used to combine multiple individual instrument panels, such as the odometer, tachometer, temperature meter, battery meter, navigation screen and any other instrument panels that are traditionally presented separate and independent from other instrument panels. The individual instrument panels may be layered on top of each other to form the clustered instrument panel, with gradual increase in size from the first instrument panel to the nth instrument panel. Information associated with a given instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel may be presented in the gap area between the given instrument panel and the neighbor instrument panel in the clustered instrument panel. In one embodiment, the clustered instrument panel is a triple-circle meter.