Multifunction Dashboard Device with Step-Shaped Housing and Movable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle dashboards face challenges in providing a large enough display area for clear information while maintaining space for functional elements, as larger displays reduce available space for other essential components.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction device with a display device and functional elements, where the functional elements are arranged in a step-shaped housing that covers the display device in a normal direction, allowing for a movable and transparent cover to adjust the display area based on viewing direction, enabling a large display area for information while preserving space for other elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the display area is enlarged to provide clear information to the driver, then the display quality and information clarity are improved, but the space available for functional elements (such as ventilation slots, control elements, and other interfaces) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging functional elements in a step-shaped housing that extends in front of the display device along the normal direction. This creates a three-dimensional stepped structure where the display device and functional elements occupy different spatial planes, allowing both large display area and sufficient functional element space to coexist without competing for the same two-dimensional dashboard surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional elements are nested within a step-shaped housing structure that is positioned in front of the display device. The housing device accommodates multiple functional elements (ventilation slots, control elements, etc.) in a compact arrangement, allowing them to be integrated into the dashboard without occupying additional lateral space that would reduce the display area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a step-shaped housing device is used to accommodate functional elements in front of the display, then space for functional elements is preserved, but the display area is partially covered by the housing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing a movable cover that can be shifted between a first position covering the first area of the display device and a second position uncovering it. This dynamic mechanism allows the display area to be selectively revealed or concealed based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt between maximizing display visibility and maintaining the protective stepped housing structure in place.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable cover is introduced to adjust display visibility, then flexibility in display area access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective element for the display device, a mechanical shutter for controlling display visibility, and an integrated part of the step-shaped housing structure. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the required flexibility in display area access.
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
This solution provides an improved human-machine interface by maximizing the display area for information while ensuring sufficient space for functional elements, allowing for flexible display adjustments based on viewing direction and position, enhancing both information clarity and operational comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the transparency of the cover be modifiable at least area by area, preferably by means of at least one electrochromic effect
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction device for a motor vehicle with a combustion engine or an electric drive includes at least one display device and at least one functional element, where the functional element is arranged in such a way in front of the display device at least area by area with respect to a display direction of the display device in that the functional element at least in a first area of the display device covers the display device along a normal direction of at least area by area the display device, as well as a dashboard with such a multifunctional device.