Vehicle Instrument Cluster Mechanical Button for Direct Function Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle instrument clusters with hierarchical menu structures and multiple physical controls complicate the operation of essential functions like headlight range control, leading to increased risk of incorrect operation and driver distraction, due to the complexity and inconsistency of control logic, as well as space and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A combination instrument cluster featuring a mechanical button and display unit that allows for direct selection of functions in a non-hierarchical, linear or circular order, with preselection of critical functions like headlight range control, using multifunction keys on the steering wheel, reducing the need for multiple physical controls and providing consistent operation logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple physical controls are provided for direct adjustment of vehicle functions, then accessibility of critical functions is improved, but device complexity and cluttered appearance increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single mechanical button is designed to provide access to multiple critical functions including headlight range control, instrument panel dimming, and odometer resetting. This multi-functional control element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate physical controls, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for critical functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate control functions into a unified mechanical button interface. By merging headlight range control, dimming control, and odometer reset into a single control element, the design reduces the number of physical controls needed while keeping the instrument cluster appearance clean and uncluttered
2Device complexity
If hierarchical menu structure is used for function selection, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation for critical functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct access methods: a hierarchical menu structure for general functions and a direct access mechanical button for critical functions. This segmentation allows each access method to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the mechanical button providing immediate access to safety-relevant functions without navigating through menu levels
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different physical controls are provided for different functions, then versatility of control methods is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconsistent operating logic
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical button is designed with homogeneous operating logic where a single pressing action consistently triggers function selection, and subsequent adjustments are made through uniform rotational movements. This consistent operating pattern across all functions controlled by the button eliminates the confusion that would arise from different control mechanisms requiring different operating methods
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A combination instrument (100) of a vehicle is described. The combination instrument (100) comprises a mechanical button (102) and a display unit (104), which in a first state displays information (106) about driving operation and, in response to activation of the mechanical button (102), switches to a second state in which selectable functions (108) of the combination instrument are displayed. Furthermore, the combination instrument (100) comprises an input unit (112) for selecting one of the functions (108) displayed in the second state.