Modular Instrument Panel Display Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Instrument panels in motor vehicles face design and technical challenges due to the arrangement of display and control elements, which often result in a non-uniform visual appearance and limited flexibility in design and assembly, as well as visibility issues for the driver.

Innovation Solution

A modular display and control component system that allows for independent design and arrangement of display and control units, featuring a base support and user interface that can be freely configured, with capacitive touch elements and translucent materials for a seamless and ergonomic interface, enabling flexible placement and coordination with the instrument panel's design and color/surface finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If display and control elements are integrated directly into the instrument panel body, then assembly is simplified, but design flexibility and visual appearance are impaired due to visible joints and non-uniform surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidvisual appearance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument panel is divided into two independent parts: the instrument panel body and the display/control component. The display and control component is mounted in front of the instrument panel body, allowing each part to be designed and manufactured independently. This segmentation enables the display/control component to have a seamless, joint-free surface while the instrument panel body can be structured for ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display and control component acts as an intermediary element between the instrument panel body and the user. It is mounted in front of the instrument panel body using a mounting unit, creating a layered structure that allows the display/control component to provide a uniform visual appearance while the instrument panel body maintains assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual display instruments are placed in front of the instrument panel, then design freedom is increased, but assembly complexity and coordination effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display units and control units are merged into a single integrated display and control component. This component includes multiple display units (for different vehicle functions) and control units (for climate control, audio, etc.) arranged in a coordinated manner on a single component structure, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display and control component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays vehicle information through multiple display units and provides control functions through integrated control units. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single component structure that can be adapted to different design requirements without increasing assembly complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display and control units are arranged in the instrument panel body, then functional integration is achieved, but visibility and design flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoiddriver visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The display and control component is positioned in front of the instrument panel body, creating a depth dimension that improves visibility. The control units are arranged on the front surface of the display and control component, allowing them to be more accessible and visible to the driver while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2406097B1Instrument panel with display component and operation component
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2406097B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2406097B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP2406097B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to an instrument panel (100), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one display and operating unit comprising at least one display and operating element. The at least one display and operating unit (211, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 231, 232) is disposed in at least one display and operating component (200) placed in or on the body (110) of the instrument panel (100) and facing an interior of a vehicle and thereby at least partially covers the surface of the body (110) of the instrument panel (100).