Mobile Computer Retainer for Customizable Vehicle Data Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators cannot easily customize the display of vehicle operational data on the instrument cluster, as altering the design is expensive and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computer retainer is integrated into the vehicle, allowing operators to use a personal mobile device to display vehicle data in a customizable manner, with a mobile computer communicator that receives and displays data such as speed and distance, and includes a charging port and pivotable retaining arms for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument cluster is altered by replacing instruments and background paneling to customize the display, then the customization capability is improved, but the cost and labor required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile computing device (tablet, smartphone, or other portable computing device) to display a copy or representation of the instrument cluster information. Instead of modifying the actual instrument cluster, the system creates a digital replica on a portable device that the operator can view. This allows full customization of the display without altering the physical instrument cluster, thereby achieving adaptability without increased manufacturing cost or labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the vehicle's instrument cluster system and the operator. The mobile device receives data from the instrument cluster (via wireless communication or direct connection) and displays it in a customized format. This intermediary approach allows customization to be achieved through software configuration on the portable device rather than physical modifications to the instrument cluster, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If a mobile computer retainer is added to the vehicle to enable customizable display on personal devices, then the ease of customization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as the display device for the instrument cluster, serves as the user interface for customization, provides wireless communication capabilities, and can function as a general-purpose computing device for other vehicle functions. By using an existing multi-functional device rather than creating a dedicated single-function system, the patent achieves ease of customization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the operator to perform customization themselves using the mobile computing device's existing interface and capabilities. The portable device's operating system and application software enable the operator to configure display parameters, select information types, and adjust settings without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. This self-service approach simplifies the customization process while leveraging the existing capabilities of the mobile device to minimize added complexity.
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 vehicle operators to customize the display of vehicle operational data inexpensively and easily, providing personalized information presentation without the need for costly modifications to the instrument cluster.
Implementation Method 1
the mobile computer communicator comprising a radio wave receiver and a radio wave emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a mobile computer retainer disposed directly forward of the operator's seat. The mobile computer retainer holds a mobile computer, which displays the vehicle operational data (speed, fuel remaining, etc.) of the vehicle operator's choosing to the vehicle operator. The mobile computer retainer allows the vehicle operator to customize the display of vehicle operational data, something that dashboard instrument clusters heretofore have not allowed. The vehicle operator can customize the display of vehicle operational data using a mobile device that the vehicle operator may use in his or her home. The mobile computer retainer can include at least one channel retaining member that at least partially surrounds the mobile computer. The mobile computer retainer can include retaining arms pivotally connected to a horizontal base that lock into a position retaining the mobile computer when the mobile computer is pressed down toward the horizontal base.