Configurable Vehicle Display Gauge With Universal Warning Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display gauges are uni-functional and cannot display red zones for different parameters, requiring multiple product models for various applications, which complicates manufacturing and usage.
Innovation Solution
A display gauge with a control unit connected to different sensors and a programmable selector that allows a single gauge to display various types of sensor signals, using a stationary warning zone to indicate when a parameter reaches its warning value, regardless of the type of sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single display gauge is used to display multiple types of parameters, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for programmable selectors and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The display gauge is designed with a universal structure that can display multiple types of parameters (temperature, pressure, liquid level, etc.) through a single device. The gauge incorporates a control unit that can process different sensor signals and a display unit that adapts its warning zone thresholds based on the selected parameter type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized gauge models.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge implements dynamic configurability through a programmable selector that allows users to switch between different parameter types and their corresponding warning thresholds. The control unit dynamically adjusts the warning zone display based on the selected parameter, enabling the same physical gauge to adapt its functional characteristics to different measurement requirements.
2Reliability
If different product models are created for different applications, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate gauge models for different parameters, the invention uses a single universal gauge design that can be configured for various parameter types. The control unit stores multiple sets of warning thresholds corresponding to different parameters, and the display unit appropriately displays warnings based on the currently selected parameter type, maintaining reliability while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge maintains reliability for different parameters by changing the software parameters (warning thresholds) rather than the hardware structure. The control unit contains configurable parameters for different parameter types, allowing the same physical device to accurately display warnings for temperature, pressure, liquid level, and other parameters by simply changing the active parameter set.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable selector and control unit are added to enable multi-parameter display, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation may deteriorate due to additional configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge is pre-configured with multiple parameter types and their corresponding warning thresholds stored in the control unit before use. Users can directly select from the pre-programmed parameter options without needing to perform complex configuration steps, making the gauge ready for immediate use while maintaining adaptability across different parameter types.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge automatically manages the complexity of multi-parameter display through its internal control unit, which handles parameter selection, threshold comparison, and warning zone adjustment without requiring user intervention. The system self-adapts to the selected parameter type and maintains appropriate warning displays, reducing the operational burden on users.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a display gauge, particularly used in a cab of a motor vehicle. The display gauge comprises a display unit and a control unit, the display unit having a stationary warning zone, the control unit being connectable with different types of sensors to receive sensor signals, wherein the display gauge further comprises a coded selector that can be operated by a user, the selector being electrically connected to the control unit to transmit to the control unit a signal indicative of a type of a current sensor signal selected by the user, and the control unit controls display of the display unit according to a value of the current sensor signal, so that a state in which the value of the current sensor signal reaches a warning value range can be displayed through the warning zone regardless of the type of the sensor. The present invention allows to display multiple types of sensor signals by a single display gauge, and to exhibit different functions or sensor signal types with different symbols or icons.