Foldable Vehicle Roof Display for Space-Saving Image Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display devices are not efficiently space-saving and protective, often getting damaged due to their non-foldable nature and placement, which limits their usability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a first and second display part, driven by a motorized gear system, allowing sequential or simultaneous rotation and longitudinal movement, ensuring the display is stored safely and unfolded efficiently without obstructing vehicle occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display device is made non-foldable and permanently mounted, then the image display function is always available, but the device occupies excessive space and is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into multiple segments (first display part and second display part) that can be independently folded and stored. This segmentation allows the display to be compacted into a small space when not in use, while maintaining full display functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, movable structure. The foldable display can change its configuration between deployed and stored states, adapting to different space requirements and protecting itself from damage when retracted.
2Ease of operation
If the display is always deployed for visibility, then occupants can always view images, but the display obstructs vehicle space and is exposed to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The display device dynamically adjusts its deployment state based on usage requirements. When not in use, it folds into a compact configuration that minimizes space occupation and does not obstruct the vehicle interior, while providing full visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display function is extracted from a permanent, fixed installation and made movable and retractable. This allows the display to be taken out of the way when not needed, freeing up vehicle interior space while maintaining accessibility when required.
3Device complexity
If a single motor drives both display parts simultaneously, then the structure is simpler, but control precision and image continuity are harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independent motors, each controlling a specific display part. This allows precise independent control of each display segment, ensuring that they move and align accurately to maintain image continuity across the folded and unfolded portions.
4Reliability
If the display is folded during storage, then space is saved and the display is protected, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is divided into discrete, modular components including first and second rotation axes, gear devices, and drive systems. This modular segmentation makes the complex folding mechanism easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while providing effective protection and space savings.
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
The solution provides a space-saving, damage-protected display that ensures a continuous image across the display surface, adaptable to vehicle space constraints and occupant comfort, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The first drive system comprises at least one electric motor, and a gear device driven by the at least one electric motor and capable of rotatably driving the first display part and rotatably driving the second display part
Data Source
AI summary
A display device attachable to a vehicle roof construction, comprises: at least one foldable display having first and a second display parts, a first drive system mounted to the roof construction for moving the display into a substantially horizontal orientated stored folded position, and into an operational unfolded position. In their operational position, the first display part is above the second display part, seen in a vertical direction and such that a flexible display part connects the first and second display parts. The display part can show a part of an image and connects the first and second display parts such that a visually uninterrupted image across the whole image producing side of the display may be observed by the occupants. The first drive system comprises an electric motor, a gear device driven by the electric motor and being capable of rotatably driving the first and second display part.