Vehicle Instrument Panel Surface Panel Light Projection Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle instrument panels face challenges in reducing image projection onto windshields without impairing design performance or increasing costs, as meter hoods limit design freedom and light guide films complicate component counts.
Innovation Solution
A surface panel with inclined small apertures that direct light away from the windshield, integrated with the instrument panel to prevent image projection while maintaining design integrity, and a display unit housed in recesses with inner walls acting as visors to interrupt light, eliminating the need for meter hoods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a meter hood is provided to cover the display, then image projection onto the windshield is prevented, but design performance is limited and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the meter hood (blocking light to prevent projection) is extracted and replaced by the light guide film's light redirecting function. The light guide film extracts only the necessary light redirection capability while eliminating the need for the physical hood structure, thereby maintaining the anti-projection effect while improving design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical meter hood structure is replaced by an optical solution using a light guide film. Instead of using a physical barrier to block light, the patent uses optical properties of the light guide film to redirect light away from the windshield, substituting a mechanical system with an optical one.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light guide film is disposed in front of the display, then image projection onto the windshield is reduced, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide film is integrated with the display assembly, merging the light redirection function into the existing display structure. Rather than adding a separate component, the light guide film becomes part of the display unit, reducing the overall component count while maintaining the light redirecting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide film serves multiple functions: it guides light from the display, redirects light away from the windshield to prevent projection, and integrates with the display assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a light guide film is disposed in front of the display, then image projection onto the windshield is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the light guide film (such as thickness, material properties, and aperture geometry) to achieve effective light redirection at minimal cost. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters, the solution becomes cost-effective while maintaining performance.
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 effectively reduces image projection onto windshields, ensuring driver visibility without obstructing the view, while enhancing design freedom and reducing costs by eliminating the need for meter hoods and additional components.
Implementation Method 1
axial lines of the small apertures are inclined so as to be directed to the driver or passenger seat side
Data Source
AI summary
A surface panel is attached to an instrument panel so as to cover a display surface of a display unit disposed on the instrument panel of a vehicle. When the display unit is turned on, light L from the display unit is projected toward the driver's seat side via a thin hole formed in the surface panel.