HUD Combiner Positioning via Camwheel and Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-up display (HUD) systems face challenges in maintaining repeatable positional accuracy and reducing vibration, which are crucial for reliable performance under varying environmental conditions and user comfort, while also being cost-effective in manufacturing and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A combiner positioning system that includes a carrier supported by a camwheel, an angle adjustment support, and a locking element, allowing the combiner to move between stowed and display positions with reduced vibration and increased stiffness, using a method that involves rotating the camwheel to engage and disengage components for precise positioning and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high precision parts with close tolerances are used to achieve repeatable positional accuracy, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacture and maintenance expense increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidmanufacture and maintenance expense
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is divided into modular components: a camwheel mechanism for positioning, a separate locking element for securing the combiner, and an angle adjustment support for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with standard tolerances while achieving overall high positioning accuracy through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camwheel mechanism is designed with pre-configured cam profiles that automatically guide the combiner to the correct display position during operation. The locking element is pre-positioned to engage at the precise moment the combiner reaches the display position, eliminating the need for high-precision continuous positioning throughout the entire range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the combiner is allowed to move freely between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but vibration increases making the display unpleasant to view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombiner movementVSAvoidvibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The angle adjustment support acts as a cushioning element that is engaged beforehand to support the combiner's weight and stabilize it during movement. The locking element is designed to engage smoothly at the display position, cushioning the transition and preventing sudden movements that would generate vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The camwheel mechanism is designed to automatically decelerate the combiner as it approaches the display position through the shape of the cam profile, eliminating the need for external braking mechanisms. The locking element self-engages when the combiner reaches the correct position, providing automatic stabilization without requiring additional active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2769258B1Combiner positioning system
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 JABIL INC
  • EP2769258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2769258B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2769258B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A combiner positioning system for a head-up display includes a carrier and a camwheel. The carrier supports a combiner for the head-up display, and the combiner is movable between a stowed position and a display position. The camwheel is rotatable about a camwheel axis. The rotation of the camwheel about the camwheel axis engages the carrier and moves the combiner between the stowed position and the display position.