Vehicle HUD Dustproof Cover with Variable Curvature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display apparatus for vehicles require a large installation space due to the size of the dustproof cover, which increases with the need for a wide opening to accommodate a large screen and remote imaging distance, leading to increased depth and space requirements within the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A head-up display apparatus with a dustproof cover that has recessed surfaces with curvatures decreasing towards the front and a cylindrical surface, allowing the cover to be downsized in depth while effectively reflecting outer light away from the driver's view, reducing the necessary interior space for the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the dustproof cover uses a fixed curvature recessed surface to reflect outer light, then the light reflection function is achieved, but the depth size of the dustproof cover becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter light reflectionVSAvoiddepth size of dustproof cover
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The dustproof cover employs a variable curvature recessed surface where the curvature radius changes in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the curvature radius is smaller at the front side and larger at the rear side, creating different reflective properties at different locations. This local variation in curvature allows the cover to effectively reflect outer light while reducing the overall depth size compared to a uniform fixed curvature design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the curvature parameter of the recessed surface from a fixed value to a variable value that changes continuously or in steps from front to rear. This parameter change enables the dustproof cover to achieve effective outer light reflection with a reduced depth dimension, as the varying curvature allows for more efficient light redirection toward invisible directions with less depth required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the opening size is increased to accommodate large screen remote imaging, then the imaging performance is improved, but the dustproof cover size and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelarge screen remote imaging capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space in vehicle interior
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The variable curvature design allows different regions of the dustproof cover to optimize their reflective function locally. The front portion with smaller curvature radius handles light reflection more efficiently, enabling the rear portion to be more compact. This local optimization across the cover surface allows the system to support larger opening sizes for remote imaging while keeping the overall dustproof cover volume reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing curvature variation in the front-rear dimension, the invention transforms a two-dimensional surface problem into a three-dimensional solution. The variable curvature across the depth dimension enables effective light reflection without proportionally increasing the cover's depth, thus allowing larger opening sizes for remote imaging while controlling the overall volume and installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces the depth size of the dustproof cover by 25% compared to traditional designs, minimizing the space needed inside the vehicle for the head-up display apparatus without compromising visibility or light reflection performance.

Implementation Method 1

a dustproof cover provided to close the opening and reflect outer light entering the opening from a position above the vehicle toward a direction invisible to the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10012837B2Head-up display apparatus for vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.07.03 CALSONIC KANSEI CORP
  • US10012837B2 patent drawing
  • US10012837B2 patent drawing
  • US10012837B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dustproof cover having a reduced size in a depth direction is formed. In displaying a virtual image visible to a driver by reflecting projection light projected in front of a driver on a windshield (light-transmitting member), a dustproof cover provided in a path of the projection light to close an opening includes a recessed surface provided throughout a front and rear direction of a vehicle, and a cylindrical surface provided such that the recessed surface is continuous throughout a right and left direction of the vehicle. Curvatures of the recessed surface are configured to increase toward a front side of the vehicle, and therefore outer light entering the opening from a position above the vehicle is reflected in a direction invisible to the driver.