Meter Cluster Seal Blocks Light and Dampens Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional meter clusters in vehicle instrument panels suffer from light transmission through gaps between molded plastic parts, causing glare and unwanted light leaks, as well as squeak and rattle due to tolerances in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A seal is introduced between the meter cluster components, comprising a sealing section and a connecting portion, which blocks light transmission and couples to the meter ring, reducing or eliminating squeak and rattle by compressing between partition walls and a transparent display cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molded plastic parts are assembled to form meter cluster, then the meter cluster structure is formed, but gaps between parts allow light transmission causing glare
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second molded plastic parts. The seal member includes a sealing portion that fits into a groove on the first part and a connecting portion that connects to the second part, thereby blocking light transmission through the gap while maintaining the assembled structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealing portion for blocking light and a connecting portion for structural attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while being integrated into the meter cluster assembly.
2Productivity
If molded plastic parts are assembled with tolerances, then the meter cluster can be manufactured, but adjacent parts contact causing squeak and rattle
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member acts as a mediator between adjacent molded plastic parts, preventing direct contact that causes squeak and rattle. The connecting portion of the seal member fills the gap and provides a cushioning effect, eliminating noise while allowing the parts to be assembled with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is made of a flexible material that can deform to accommodate tolerances in the molded plastic parts. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact and block noise transmission while adapting to variations in part dimensions during manufacturing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If seal is inserted between meter cluster portions, then light transmission is blocked, but additional component is added to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks light transmission through its sealing portion and prevents squeak and rattle through its connecting portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for light blocking and noise reduction, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and the noise reduction function are merged into a single seal member component. By combining these functions, the design avoids adding separate light-blocking elements and noise-damping elements, thus limiting the increase in component count while achieving both objectives.
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 seal effectively reduces glare and light leaks while eliminating squeak and rattle, enhancing driver comfort and visual clarity by blocking light transmission between partitioned areas of the meter cluster.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing section is configured to block transmission of light from a first portion of a meter cluster to a second portion of the meter cluster
Implementation Method 2
reducing or eliminating squeak and rattle by compressing between partition walls and a transparent display cover
Data Source
AI summary
A meter cluster includes a meter trim assembly and a combination meter. The meter trim assembly includes a meter cluster lid, a meter ring with a groove, and a seal portion having a connecting portion disposed within the groove to couple the seal portion to the meter ring. The combination meter has a transparent display cover disposed relative to the meter ring so as to form a gap between the meter ring and the transparent display cover. The seal portion is arranged to block transmission of light from a first portion of the meter cluster to a second portion of the meter cluster.