Foldable Vehicle Display With Magnetorheological Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle electronic displays are limited in their ability to adjust viewing angles for multiple occupants, often requiring manual adjustment and lacking flexibility to optimize usability and viewing experience for passengers on both sides of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display assembly with multiple screens and hinges or sliding mechanisms that allow for folding and flexing, utilizing magnetorheological fluid and electromagnets for adjustable resistance, and an actuator system controlled by a display control module to optimize viewing angles based on occupant location and media type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed electronic display is mounted on the instrument panel, then the display is stable and easy to manufacture, but the viewing angle cannot be adjusted for multiple occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed display structure into a movable one through hinges that enable screens to pivot between fixed and angled positions. This allows the display to adapt its configuration dynamically based on viewing needs while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is segmented into multiple independent screens that can be adjusted individually through separate hinge mechanisms. This segmentation allows each screen to be optimized for different viewing angles and positions, enabling multiple occupants to view different content simultaneously without requiring a completely complex unified adjustment system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to the display, then viewing angle flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The display system incorporates sensors that automatically detect occupant position and preferences, then autonomously adjust the screen angles and positions without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains viewing angle flexibility while eliminating the operational complexity of manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor occupant location and viewing conditions, providing feedback to the control system which then automatically adjusts the display configuration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal viewing angles are maintained while removing the need for complex manual adjustment operations.
3Ease of operation
If multiple independent adjustment mechanisms are provided for each screen, then individual screen positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal adjustment mechanism that serves multiple functions: it can pivot screens horizontally, vertically, and at various angles using a single integrated hinge design. This multi-functional approach allows individual screen positioning capability while avoiding the complexity of separate adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single hinge mechanism that can perform rotation, pivoting, and positioning operations. By combining what would traditionally require separate mechanisms into one integrated component, the system achieves individual screen positioning capability while reducing overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the display is made flexible and foldable, then viewing angle optimization for multiple occupants is improved, but the reliability of the display structure may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure uses dynamic hinges that allow controlled movement between fixed and flexible states. The screens can pivot and fold to various angles while the hinge mechanisms maintain structural integrity through engineered joint designs that accommodate motion without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible display screens that can bend and fold without breaking, utilizing flexible substrate materials and thin-film construction. These flexible components are integrated with robust hinge mechanisms that protect the delicate display elements while enabling the required flexibility for multiple viewing configurations.
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 automatic and manual adjustment of electronic displays to enhance viewing angles for multiple occupants, improving usability and personalizing the display settings for different media types, while maintaining precise control and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The tube is configured to contain magnetorheological fluid. The electromagnet is disposed within the tube and is configured to generate a magnetic field to adjust a viscosity of magnetorheological fluid contained within the tube.
Data Source
AI summary
A display assembly for a vehicle includes an electronic display and an adjustment mechanism. The electronic display is configured to be mounted to an instrument panel of the vehicle. The electronic display includes multiple screens and at least one hinge disposed between the screens. The electronic display is configured to be folded at the at least one hinge by pivoting at least one of the screens about the at least one hinge to adjust a viewing angle of an occupant in the vehicle relative to the at least one screen. The adjustment mechanism is configured to maintain the at least one screen in any one of a plurality of positions when the electronic display is folded at the at least one hinge by pivoting the at least one screen about the at least one hinge to adjust the at least one screen to the one position.