Floating Ring Pointer Assembly Dynamic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrument clusters in vehicles lack an efficient mechanism to dynamically adjust the position and orientation of floating ring pointers in response to changes in vehicle operation modes and operating characteristics, limiting their ability to accurately convey information.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a printed circuit board with two motor assemblies driving screws to adjust the position and orientation of a floating ring pointer assembly, which is controlled by an electronic control unit to reflect changes in vehicle operation modes and sensor measurements, allowing lateral and rotational movements to correspond with different gauges and modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pointer assembly is used in the instrument cluster, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to dynamically adjust position and orientation in response to vehicle operation modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer assembly is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by introducing motor assemblies that can rotate the pointer about two different axes, allowing it to adapt its position and orientation based on vehicle operation modes and sensor inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The pointer assembly is divided into multiple independent components including the pointer body, motor assemblies, and mounting structures, allowing each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve dynamic repositioning capability
2Speed
If manual adjustment of pointer position is used, then the device complexity is low, but the responsiveness to operation mode changes and measurement inputs is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect vehicle operation modes and measurements, providing feedback to the control system which then automatically adjusts the pointer position through motor assemblies, enabling real-time responsive adjustment without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with an automated electromechanical system where electronic sensors and motor assemblies work together to automatically reposition the pointer based on digital signals from the vehicle's control systems
3Manufacturing precision
If the pointer assembly is made adjustable with multiple degrees of freedom, then the ability to accurately represent different gauges and modes is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex positioning system is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces, where each motor assembly and mounting bracket can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed and include an instrument cluster assembly, which includes a printed circuit board (PCB). A first motor assembly is coupled to the PCB, and the first motor assembly is configured to drive a first screw. A second motor assembly is coupled to the PCB, and the second motor assembly is configured to drive a second screw. The instrument cluster assembly includes a floating ring pointer assembly, and at least one of a position and an orientation of the floating ring pointer assembly is configured to be adjusted in response to at least one of the first motor assembly and the second motor assembly driving the first screw and the second screw, respectively. The instrument cluster assembly includes a display screen configured to generate a display based on at least one of the position and the orientation of the floating ring pointer assembly.