Modular Central Instrument with Edge Lighting for Vehicle Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current central instruments in vehicle cockpits lack the ability to effectively enhance the informative value of displayed information, particularly in conveying critical vehicle status and operational efficiency to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A modular central instrument with a circular display that utilizes variable color lighting along its edge to create attention-grabbing light figures and surface effects, which can symbolize vehicle conditions and operational metrics through rhythmic patterns and colors, allowing for dynamic and intuitive feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a standard circular display is used for vehicle information, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the informative value and attention-grabbing capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by implementing a lighting means with multiple color-capable light sources (red, yellow, green, blue, white LEDs) arranged in a ring around the display. The control unit activates specific colors to encode different information types and urgency levels, transforming a simple display into an informative communication system that conveys speed, efficiency, warnings, and instructions through color-coded visual signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through rhythmic lighting patterns where light sources are activated in sequences with specific frequencies and durations. Different rhythmic patterns (continuous, pulsing, alternating) are used to distinguish between various information categories and draw driver attention without causing distraction, creating a temporal dimension to the information presentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are arranged in a ring to create light figures, then the symbolic communication capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lighting means into multiple independently controllable light sources arranged in a ring (typically 6-12 LEDs positioned at specific angular intervals). Each light source can be individually activated, dimmed, or colored based on the information being conveyed, allowing for precise control over the light figures and patterns displayed around the circular instrument cluster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single ring of multi-color light sources that can perform multiple functions: indicating speed efficiency levels, displaying directional information, conveying warning messages, providing instructional guidance, and creating various symbolic patterns. This multi-functional lighting system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate indicator systems.
3Loss of information
If rhythmic lighting patterns are used to symbolize vehicle functions, then the driver's situational awareness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the specific light sources and colors needed to convey the current information state, rather than illuminating all light sources continuously. The system uses selective activation based on the type and urgency of information being communicated, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through rhythmic lighting patterns where light sources are activated in sequences with specific frequencies and durations. Different rhythmic patterns (continuous, pulsing, alternating) are used to distinguish between various information categories and draw driver attention without causing distraction, creating a temporal dimension to the information presentation.
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 significantly increases the informative value by providing the driver with intuitive and memorable visual cues about vehicle status and driving efficiency, enhancing situational awareness and energy management through symbolic light patterns and figures.
Implementation Method 1
The light sources themselves can be LEDs, EL films, OLEDs, lasers or an edge area of the display itself
Implementation Method 2
The light sources themselves can be LEDs, EL films, OLEDs, lasers
Data Source
Figure 1a~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a central instrument in the cockpit of a motor vehicle, comprising a circular display in which multiple items of information are displayed, said items being relevant to the vehicle. The display has an at least approximately circular edge that contains multiple lighting means which are freely programmable with regard to brightness, which are variably controlled during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, and which generate a light figure that varies over time. The light figure provides a determination of the state and/or the function of the motor vehicle and/or a motor vehicle component.