Modular Display Bezel With Interchangeable Trim for Vehicle Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern electronic displays in vehicles require customization to meet different functionalities and operator preferences, leading to increased manufacturing and maintenance costs and complexity, or hindered functionality if not modified.

Innovation Solution

A modular display system with a bezel and interchangeable bezel trim pieces that can be securely coupled to the display unit, providing additional functionality, mechanical support, and user interaction options, such as buttons and touchpads, to enhance customization and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic displays are significantly modified to accommodate different vehicle requirements and operator preferences, then functionality and customization are improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmodification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into a fixed base unit and interchangeable bezel trim pieces. The bezel trim pieces are separate modular components that can be attached or removed from the main display bezel, allowing different functionality to be segmented into distinct replaceable parts rather than requiring modification of the entire display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal bezel structure is designed to accommodate multiple types of bezel trim pieces through a standardized connection system. This universal base bezel can work with various trim pieces that provide different functionalities (buttons, touchpads, labels, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple specialized bezel designs for different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic displays are significantly modified to accommodate different vehicle requirements, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the display system into a universal base bezel and separate functional trim pieces, manufacturing can be simplified. The base bezel is manufactured once as a standard component, while functional elements are manufactured separately as interchangeable trim pieces, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows functional trim pieces to be easily removed and replaced between different vehicle applications. Instead of manufacturing entirely custom displays for each vehicle type, the universal bezel is retained and only the functional trim pieces are changed, reducing manufacturing waste and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized display units are used without modification across different vehicle types, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but functionality and ease of operation are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidvehicle-specific functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The universal bezel design provides a standardized platform that can accommodate multiple vehicle types and applications. By designing the base bezel with universal mounting features and a standardized connection system, the same physical display unit can be adapted to different vehicle requirements through interchangeable trim pieces, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving vehicle-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed-function display to a dynamic, reconfigurable display. The ability to attach and remove different bezel trim pieces allows the display functionality to be dynamically adjusted to match different vehicle types and operational requirements, while the physical display unit remains standardized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4310631A1Systems having a display unit and interchangeable bezel trim pieces for securing thereto
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4310631A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4310631A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4310631A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems are provided for modification of display units. The system comprises a display unit that includes a touchscreen configured to display a graphical user interface thereon and detect user physical interaction therewith and a bezel surrounding edges of the touchscreen. The bezel includes a modular frame having a connection system thereon. The system also includes one or more bezel trim pieces configured to releasably couple to the modular frame of the bezel via the connection system thereon.