Compact HUD Shutter via Rack Gear and Cam Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-up display devices face challenges in reducing size and accommodating a shutter mechanism in compact spaces due to the need for additional space and low design flexibility caused by cylindrical cam mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a housing with a top plate and side plates, a drive member with a cam structure and rack gear, and a shutter that opens and closes via a drive transfer unit, allowing the combiner to be accommodated in a compact space with simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shutter mechanism is added to the head-up display device, then the display can be covered when not in use, but the device size increases and space requirements double
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is nested within the housing structure, utilizing the same spatial envelope as the combiner assembly. The shutter moves along the top plate within the existing device boundaries, rather than requiring external space. This nesting approach allows the shutter mechanism to be accommodated without doubling the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the shutter in a direction that would double the device area, the invention utilizes movement along the top plate surface (a different dimensional plane). The shutter translates along the top plate from a retracted position to a closed position, effectively using the top plate surface area rather than expanding the device footprint in a new dimension.
2Ease of operation
If a cylindrical cam mechanism is used for combiner displacement, then the combiner can move between positions, but design flexibility is reduced and size reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member is segmented into distinct functional components: a cam structure portion for combiner displacement and a rack gear portion for shutter actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the cam structure provides the necessary combiner movement while the rack gear handles shutter operation, thereby increasing overall design flexibility and reducing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive member serves multiple functions within a single component structure. It simultaneously provides combiner displacement through its cam structure and enables shutter movement through its rack gear. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the device is reduced in size for compact mounting, then space efficiency improves, but the shutter mechanism cannot be properly accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed as a dynamic component that moves between a retracted position (when not needed) and a closed position (when display coverage is required). During normal operation, the shutter is retracted and does not occupy space along the top plate, effectively reducing the device footprint. When needed, it dynamically deploys to provide coverage, maintaining adaptability without permanent space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is nested within the housing boundaries, utilizing the same spatial envelope as the combiner assembly. The shutter moves along the top plate within the existing device footprint, rather than requiring external space. This nesting approach allows compact device design while maintaining full shutter functionality.
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
Enables the combiner to be rotated between developed and accommodated positions efficiently, reducing the overall size of the display device and simplifying the operation mechanism while minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a drive member which is provided on at least one of the pair of side plates and slidable relative to the at least one of the side plates, drive member having a cam structure
Implementation Method 2
drive member having a cam structure and a drive rack gear; a shutter configured to open and close the opening along the top plate by a drive transfer unit that is engaged with the drive rack gear
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a display device which has a shutter capable of being accommodated in a compact space and a simplified operation mechanism, and can be reduced in size. The display device of the present invention is characterized by including: a housing having a top plate with an opening and a pair of opposed side plates; a drive member which is provided on at least one of the pair of side plates and slidable relative to the at least one of the side plates, the drive member having a cam structure and a drive rack gear; a display member that is engaged with the cam structure and movable through the opening; and a movable shutter capable of closing the opening along the top plate by a drive transfer unit that is engaged with the drive rack gear.