Vehicle Display Flush Alignment via Compressible Elastomer Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to achieve a flush surface alignment between motor vehicle display devices and the control panel facade, overcoming manufacturing and assembly tolerances that result in positioning issues and aesthetic concerns, while maintaining precise alignment and image quality.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a display device with a support frame fixed to a fixing box using connecting elements that compress to compensate for mechanical clearances, featuring elastomer sleeves and screws for precise adjustment and self-centering, along with a sub-module and centering joint for optimal alignment and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If mounting feet are screwed directly onto a mounting bracket fixed to the front panel, then assembly is simple, but positioning precision deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting box as an intermediary component between the mounting bracket and the support frame. The mounting box provides a reference stop that abuts against the front panel, serving as a precise positioning reference that eliminates positioning errors caused by direct screwing of mounting feet to the bracket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting box is pre-assembled with the support frame and connecting elements before final installation. The connecting elements are pre-adjusted to compensate for play, so that when the entire assembly is mounted to the front panel, the positioning is already optimized, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Shape

If a frame with raised border is used to conceal display edges, then aesthetic appearance improves, but surface flushness deteriorates due to visible level differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidsurface flushness
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting box serves as a mediator that precisely positions the support frame relative to the front panel. The reference stop on the mounting box ensures that the display surface is positioned at the correct height, achieving flushness with the front panel while still allowing the support frame to provide aesthetic framing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses adjustable connecting elements that can compensate for variations in the height of the raised border. By adjusting the length or compression of these elements, the support frame can be positioned at different heights to achieve perfect flushness with the front panel despite variations in frame height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If connecting elements with play compensation are introduced, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting box acts as a centralized intermediary that integrates multiple functions: it provides the reference stop for positioning, houses the connecting elements for play compensation, and serves as the mounting interface for the support frame. This consolidation avoids the need for multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting elements use simple parameter changes such as compression of elastic elements or adjustment of screw length to compensate for play. These are straightforward mechanical adjustments that do not require complex mechanisms, motors, or sensors, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If elastic elements are compressed to hold display module against reference stop, then positioning precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic elements utilize their inherent elastic properties to provide automatic compensation for dimensional variations. By simply compressing the elastic elements during assembly, the system achieves precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The elastic elements can be standard off-the-shelf components, keeping manufacturing simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The compressed elastic elements automatically adjust to compensate for play and maintain precise positioning without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The elastic deformation itself provides the necessary compensation, making the system self-adjusting and reducing the need for complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach ensures a visually flush display surface, reduces refraction effects, and enhances image quality by precisely aligning the display module with the facade, while facilitating easy assembly and vibration damping.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting element includes an elastomer sleeve surrounding a mounting foot... the screw has a screw head pressing against the truncated conical part of the elastomer sleeve to exert a compressive force on this elastomer sleeve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cylindrical part of the elastomer sleeve exerts a thrust against the support frame while keeping the cylindrical part of the sleeve pressed against the truncated conical recess by friction, thus keeping the display module pressed against the front panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2938510B1Motor vehicle display device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP2938510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2938510B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2938510B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle display device (1) for a passenger compartment front (3), comprising a display module (5) including a flat screen (7) and a frame (9) for supporting said flat screen, and a housing (11) for attaching the display module (5) by the rear against a reference abutment (13) at a display area (15) of the front (3), characterized in that the frame (9) for supporting the flat screen (7) is attached onto the bottom of the attachment housing (11) via connecting elements (19), each of which engages the attachment housing (11) and the support frame (9).