HUD Combiner Positioning Unit Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combiner positioning units for head-up display systems in vehicles are sensitive to operational vibrations, leading to unreliable positional accuracy and improper functioning, especially under varying temperature and vibration conditions.
Innovation Solution
A combiner positioning unit with a housing and pivotably arranged combiner support, featuring a first locking element that engages with a second locking element, where the combiner support is moved axially against a spring force of a first spring element to disengage the locking elements, and a second spring element connected to the combiner support pivots it into the operating position, reducing sensitivity to vehicle vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combiner positioning mechanism is designed to be easily actuated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sensitivity to vehicle vibrations increases causing unreliable positional accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into two independent functional stages: a locking mechanism for holding positions and a spring-driven actuating mechanism for movement. The locking mechanism engages discrete locking elements at specific positions, while the actuating mechanism uses spring force to overcome friction and move the combiner. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently - the locking mechanism provides vibration resistance while the spring mechanism provides easy actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are pre-positioned at specific locations along the pivot axis, and the spring element is pre-loaded to store mechanical energy. When actuation is needed, the stored spring energy is released to automatically overcome static friction and move the combiner to the next locked position. This preliminary preparation of locking positions and spring energy eliminates the need for continuous force application during vibration-prone operation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent vibration-induced movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves dual functions: it provides the actuating force to move the combiner and simultaneously serves as the locking mechanism by maintaining constant pressure on the locking elements. The gravity-based positioning with pre-loaded springs creates a self-locking system where the spring force itself prevents vibration-induced displacement without requiring separate locking components. This self-service approach achieves reliable positioning while minimizing added complexity.
3Device complexity
If the combiner positioning system uses friction-based holding, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positional accuracy deteriorates under vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to create a cushioning force that continuously presses the combiner support against the housing, maintaining firm contact between the locking elements. This pre-compression cushioning prevents vibration-induced separation or slippage by ensuring that normal vibrational forces cannot overcome the spring pressure. The spring acts as a cushion that absorbs vibrational energy while maintaining positional integrity.
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 ensures reliable and repeatable positional accuracy of the combiner, reducing the risk of automatic movement from storage to operating positions due to vehicle vibrations, thereby maintaining proper functionality of the head-up display system.
Implementation Method 1
the combiner support is moved in axial direction of the pivot axis against a spring force of a first spring element
Implementation Method 2
a spring force of a second spring element connected to the combiner support pivots the combiner around the pivot axis into the operating position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a combiner positioning unit (10) for a head-up display system for usage in vehicles, comprising a housing (14), a combiner (12) with a combiner support (16), wherein the combiner support (16) is pivotably arranged around a pivot axis (18) between a folded-in storage position and a folded-out operating position in the housing (14), and an actuating element (20) for releasing the combiner support (16) from the storage position, characterized in that the combiner support (16) comprises a first locking element (22) for engaging with a corresponding second locking element (24) of the housing (14), and in the storage position the first locking element (22) is engaged with the second locking element (24), and by operating the actuating element (20), the combiner support (16) is at least partially moved in axial direction of the pivot axis (18) against a spring force of a first spring element (26), disengaging the connection of the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (24), and a spring force of a second spring element (32) connected to the combiner support (16) pivots the combiner (12) around the pivot axis (18) into the operating position. The present invention also refers to Head-up display system for a vehicle comprising a combiner positioning unit (10) according to one of the previous claims, and a projector to generate a light beam loaded with information to be displayed on the combiner (12).