Contoured Pointer Display with Optical Light Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices with underfloor pointers face limitations in design flexibility and visual appeal due to restrictive arrangement conditions, offering few design options and a limited visual impression.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a rotatable, pointer-like first pointer and a stationary light source, utilizing light-emitting diodes and optical components to convert divergent or convergent light into parallel light for a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing appearance, allowing for variable representation and simple construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple underfloor pointer structure is used, then manufacturing cost and assembly requirements are reduced, but design flexibility and visual appeal are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pointer system is divided into two separate pointers: a simple underfloor pointer (first pointer) and a visual pointer (second pointer). The first pointer provides the basic functional indication with simple construction, while the second pointer enhances visual appeal and design flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the first pointer for cost-effectiveness and the second for aesthetic versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A light guide is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the pointers. The light guide channels and shapes the light to create the visual impression of the first pointer, allowing the simple physical structure to produce a more sophisticated visual effect. This intermediary enables the simple underfloor pointer to achieve enhanced visual appeal without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the light source is arranged stationary relative to the first pointer, then construction and light supply are simplified, but dynamic light guidance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoiddynamic movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves dynamic visual effects not through physical movement of the light source, but through optical manipulation. The light guide and optical components dynamically shape and direct the light beam to follow the rotation of the pointers, creating the appearance of dynamic light guidance while maintaining a stationary, simple light source arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide serves as a mediator that translates the stationary light output into dynamic light patterns that follow pointer movement. By positioning the light guide appropriately and using its optical properties, the system creates the visual effect of dynamic light guidance without requiring the light source itself to move or become complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables a versatile and aesthetically advantageous display with a simple structure, providing a pleasant visual impression and cost-effective implementation while maintaining a stable and dynamic light guidance system.

Implementation Method 1

the first pointer in particular having at least one optical component by means of which the light from the light source can be converted into parallel light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

at least one light-emitting diode is present as the light source, in particular a plurality of light-emitting diodes that can be illuminated in different colors or a multi-colored light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2171404B1Display device for generating a contoured form
Publication Date: 2014.09.10 JOHNSON CONTROLS AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS GMBH
  • EP2171404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2171404B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a display device having a first displaceable pointer, a second displaceable pointer, a light source, and a display surface, the first pointer and the light source being disposed on a side of the display surface facing away from the visible side, the first pointer and the light source being disposed such that light can be emitted from the first pointer toward the display device, and the second pointer being disposed on the visible side of the display surface, the display surface further being at least partially transparent in the region of the light emitted by the first pointer, such that the representation of the first pointer substantially corresponds to the representation of the second pointer.