Head-Up Display Cover Positioning via Decoupled Rotary Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display positioning devices with pivoted combiner disks require significant space and powerful drive motors due to the need for simultaneous movement of the disk and cover, which increases costs and vulnerability to damage in the rest position.

Innovation Solution

A reversible rotary drive system that decouples and couples the rotary element between the combiner disk and cover movements, allowing for space-efficient operation with a single drive mechanism, and incorporates a cover with guided elements and toothed racks for stable positioning and protection, ensuring the combiner disk is safeguarded during retraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single reversible rotary drive is used to control both the combiner disk and cover, then device complexity and space requirements are reduced, but the drive mechanism must perform sequential coupling and decoupling operations which increases control complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive mechanism complexityVSAvoidcontrol operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the connection between the rotary element and drive mechanisms dynamic rather than static. The rotary element can be selectively coupled to either the combiner disk drive mechanism or the cover drive mechanism through movable connection means, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration enables a single drive to control multiple functions without requiring complex simultaneous coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control function by separating the drive mechanisms for the combiner disk and cover, while using a single rotary element to control both through sequential coupling. The connection means are divided into first connection means for the combiner disk and second connection means for the cover, allowing independent control paths that are activated in sequence rather than simultaneously, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the cover is designed to move with stable positioning in closed and open positions, then protection of the combiner disk is improved, but additional guide elements and constraints increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover positioning stabilityVSAvoidguide mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the cover to automatically assume stable positions through its interaction with the housing guides and the action of spring elements. The cover's own movement, guided by simple guide elements in the housing, causes it to naturally settle into stable closed and open positions without requiring active positioning control or complex stabilization mechanisms. The spring elements provide automatic return force to the closed position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the rotary element decouples and couples sequentially to different drive mechanisms, then space requirements are reduced, but the sequential operation requires precise timing and control which increases manufacturing precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning device volumeVSAvoidsequential operation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the rotary element as an intermediary between the single drive motor and the two separate drive mechanisms. This intermediary component provides a natural decoupling point that simplifies control sequencing. The movable connection means act as intermediaries between the rotary element and each drive mechanism, allowing smooth transitions between coupling states without requiring precise simultaneous coordination of multiple actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2930551B1Head-up display comprising positioning device for a combiner disc that can be pivoted around a pivot axis
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2930551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2930551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2930551B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a positioning device for a combiner disc 14 of a head-up display, which is pivotable about a pivot axis 30, with a reversible rotary drive by which a rotary element 5 can be rotatably driven about a rotary axis 6, by which the combiner disc 14 can be moved between a rest position in a housing and a working position projecting from an opening 13 of the housing. The opening 13 of the housing can be closed by a cover 12, which can be moved by the rotary element 5 from a closed position (closing the opening 13) to an open position (releasing the opening 13) and from its open position (lagging the movement of the combiner disc 14 from the working position to the rest position) to its closed position.