Dashboard Remote Image Display Layout for Clear Driver Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle dashboard display systems face issues of space clutter, high production costs, and readability challenges, particularly with traditional digital displays and Head-Up Displays, which can obstruct the driver's view and are bulky.

Innovation Solution

A display system comprising a source screen and a translucent plate in the dashboard cavity, forming a remote image offset from the screen, with adjustable angle and illumination options, including natural light and adjustable light sources, to create an open and bright perception of information display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional digital display with protective glass is used, then the display function is provided, but the dashboard space is cluttered and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionVSAvoiddashboard space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a light guide plate to create a virtual image copy of the display content, allowing the actual screen to be positioned in the upper cavity while the image appears on the dashboard surface. This copying approach eliminates the need for physical display components on the dashboard, freeing up space while maintaining the display function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The display system transitions from a two-dimensional dashboard surface to a three-dimensional configuration by placing the source screen in the upper cavity and using optical paths to project the image to the dashboard level. This dimensional change allows space optimization while preserving display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a Head-Up Display is used to free up dashboard space, then dashboard space is freed, but production cost significantly increases due to complex technical infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedashboard spaceVSAvoidtechnical infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual image copy through the light guide plate, which is a simpler and more cost-effective approach compared to complex Head-Up Display systems. This copying mechanism achieves the space-saving goal without requiring sophisticated optical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide plate serves as a relatively simple and cost-effective optical element compared to complex HUD systems. It provides the necessary image projection function at a lower production cost, making it an economical solution for freeing dashboard space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Area of stationary object

If a Head-Up Display is used to free up dashboard space, then dashboard space is freed, but driver vision is hindered when focusing on the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedashboard spaceVSAvoiddriver vision obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual image is projected to appear on the dashboard surface rather than floating in the driver's line of sight. This positioning of the image copy ensures that drivers can view the display without it obstructing their vision of the road, while still achieving dashboard space optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Area of stationary object

If a translucent plate is used to form a remote image, then dashboard space is freed and design is refined, but additional optical components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedashboard spaceVSAvoidoptical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate performs multiple functions: it guides light from the source screen, creates the virtual image, and serves as a structural component within the dashboard cavity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components, balancing the complexity increase with functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Frees up dashboard space, reduces production costs, and enhances readability by projecting a virtual image that appears empty, providing a refined design and adjustable illumination effects.

Implementation Method 1

a translucent plate installed inside the cavity adapted to form an image offset from the source screen... the translucent plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and defines a free space with the bottom of the dashboard, said offset image being formed in the free space defined by the plate and on the side opposite the source screen with respect to the translucent plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4393745B1Motor vehicle display system
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 RENAULT SA
  • EP4393745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4393745B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4393745B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A display system (1) for a dashboard (2) of a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel (6). The dashboard (2) comprises a cavity delimited by an upper wall (10), a lower wall (11), a bottom (12) and an opening (13), said system (1) comprising: a source screen (14) having a front edge (17) extending towards the steering wheel (6) and a rear edge (18) away from the steering wheel (6); a translucent plate (15) installed inside the cavity to form a remote image (16), the translucent plate (15) having an upper edge (19) and a lower edge (20), and defining a free space (21) with the bottom (12), said remote image (16) being formed in the free space (21). The source screen (14) is installed in the upper wall (10) of the cavity and the upper edge (19) of the translucent plate (15) is located towards the bottom (12), while the lower edge (20) is located towards the opening (13).