Instrument Cluster Gauge Holder for Vehicle Handheld Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle drivers are distracted while driving due to the need to operate handheld devices, such as smartphones, which divert their attention from the road, necessitating an alternative instrument cluster arrangement that integrates a holder for mobile devices to display vehicle information.
Innovation Solution
An information display system for vehicles featuring a steering wheel with an upper opening region, an instrument cluster arrangement with adjustable gauges serving as a holder for a handheld device, and an electronic control unit that communicates with the device to display vehicle information, allowing operators to view essential metrics without taking their eyes off the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld device is placed in a cup holder or on the dashboard for frequent observation, then the driver can access device information easily, but driver distraction increases due to diverted attention from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handheld device holder with the instrument cluster arrangement, integrating the device positioning function into the existing dashboard structure. The holder is specifically designed to position the device between the gauges, merging the support function with the instrument cluster's spatial structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the handheld device holder at an elevated position between the gauges, allowing the device to be visible through the upper opening region of the steering wheel. This vertical positioning enables the driver to view the device screen without lateral head movement, reducing distraction while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If a separate display screen is installed in the dashboard to show vehicle information, then driver information access is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the handheld device serve multiple functions: it displays vehicle information received from the electronic control unit, provides navigation, and acts as a media player. This eliminates the need for a dedicated dashboard display screen, reducing device complexity while maintaining information display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary, receiving vehicle data and transmitting it to the handheld device for display. This mediator approach allows the existing handheld device to function as the information display interface, avoiding the need for additional dashboard display hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
An information display system includes a steering wheel including a ring portion and an upper opening region within the ring portion, an instrument cluster arrangement positioned forward of the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit. The instrument cluster arrangement includes a first gauge having a first fixing member on a portion of a boundary of the first gauge, and a second gauge having a second fixing member on a portion of a boundary of the second gauge. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are configured to hold a handheld device placed between the first and second gauges, and the first and second gauges are positioned such that when the handheld device is placed between the first and second gauges the handheld device is visible through the upper opening region.