Vehicle HUD Mask and Support Mounting via Segmented Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display devices for vehicle dashboards are difficult to install and disassemble due to their weight and the need for blind assembly, which increases the risk of damage to the dashboard and windshield, and cause reflections on the windshield due to the larger opening required for installation.

Innovation Solution

A head-up display device with a mask secured to the dashboard around a smaller opening, allowing the support and box to be introduced under the dashboard and attached to a vehicle element, reducing the opening size and facilitating installation by using coupling means like ribs and grooves for alignment and attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a larger opening is used for installing the head-up display device, then the device can be easily introduced from above the dashboard, but it produces reflections on the windshield which bother drivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidwindshield reflections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The installation process is divided into two stages: first introducing the mask through a large opening from above the dashboard, then introducing the support and box through a smaller opening from below the dashboard. This segmentation allows the opening size to be minimized for the final component while still accommodating the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installation approach changes from a single-direction (from above) introduction to a multi-directional approach, with the mask introduced from above and the support/box introduced from below through a smaller opening. This dimensional change in installation methodology allows reduced opening size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the support and box are attached from above the dashboard, then the assembly can be completed in one step, but it is difficult to carry out because it must be done almost blind in an area inaccessible to technicians

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stepsVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of introducing and attaching the support and box from above the dashboard as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by introducing these components from below the dashboard through a smaller opening. This inversion provides technicians with accessible workspace and eliminates blind assembly while still achieving proper attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of repair

If the head-up display device is disassembled during repair, then repairs can be performed, but it is even more complicated because the windshield, steering wheel and seats are present and make it more difficult accessibility from above the dashboard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility during repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional installation approach by allowing introduction and attachment from below the dashboard rather than from above. This inversion dramatically improves accessibility during repair operations, as technicians can easily access the components from below without obstruction from the windshield, steering wheel, or seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the opening dimensions are reduced to minimize reflections, then windshield reflections are minimized, but it becomes difficult to introduce the support and box for attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield reflectionsVSAvoidease of component introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The installation process is segmented into two separate introduction operations: the mask is introduced through a larger opening from above the dashboard, while the support and box are introduced through a smaller opening from below the dashboard. This segmentation allows the opening size to be optimized for minimizing reflections while still accommodating the necessary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the installation dimensionality by allowing components to be introduced from both above and below the dashboard. This multi-directional approach enables the use of a smaller opening from below for the support and box, minimizing reflections, while the mask can be introduced through a larger opening from above.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2996896B1Heads-up display device with simplified mounting and reduced reflection, for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.02.22 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA

AI summary

A display device (DA) that equips a vehicle dashboard (PB), and comprises a mask (M) rigidly connected to the dashboard (PB) around an opening (O1), and a support (SB) to which there is rigidly connected a housing (BT) comprising a source (SI) capable of generating information images, and a transparent blade (LT) that is capable of displaying these generated images when deployed through the opening (O1), and that is capable of being inserted, with the housing (BT), under the dashboard (PB) via another opening (O2), of being securely fixed to at least one fastening tab (PF') of an element (ES) of the vehicle located under the dashboard (PB), and of being coupled to the mask (M).