Motorized Indicator Field Elements for Flexible Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle indicator systems face challenges in balancing size and installation space, requiring large indicator fields to occupy significant space, while small fields are inadequate for displaying information effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device positions indicator field elements in multiple configurations, allowing them to be combined or separated to form varying sizes of indicator fields, using a motor and actuating members to move elements between positions, with edges fitting like puzzle pieces to create a coherent display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large indicator field is used to provide sufficient display area, then the indicating area is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator field is divided into multiple independent indicator field elements that can be individually positioned and arranged. These segmented elements can be combined in different configurations to create varying display areas, allowing the system to provide sufficient indicating area when needed while occupying minimal installation space when elements are compacted or stacked.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator field elements are arranged in multiple planes rather than a single flat surface. By stacking elements in three-dimensional space across different planes, the system achieves a large total indicating area without requiring proportionally large installation space, effectively utilizing vertical and depth dimensions to resolve the area contradiction.
2Area of stationary object
If a small indicator field is used to reduce installation space, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the indicating area becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator field elements are made movable relative to each other through mechanical devices with actuators. This dynamic arrangement allows the elements to transition between compact configurations (minimizing installation space) and expanded configurations (maximizing indicating area), enabling the system to adapt to different spatial requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Indicator field elements are arranged in nested or stacked configurations where elements can be positioned behind or alongside each other in multiple planes. This nesting allows multiple elements to occupy a compact volume, providing a large total indicating area while maintaining a small installation footprint, similar to how nested dolls maximize space efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed indicator field elements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the indicator field into independently controllable elements, each capable of being positioned separately. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration for different display requirements while using modular, standardized mechanical components that manage complexity through repetition and standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical device uses universal actuators and positioning mechanisms that can control multiple indicator field elements with the same type of mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity by reusing the same components across different elements rather than requiring unique mechanisms for each element.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of indicator field elements and a mechanical device are included in an indicating apparatus disposed in an interior of a motor vehicle. Each indicator field element is bounded by an edge, wherein the mechanical device is configured to position the indicator field elements in at least two positions relative to one another and to arrange at least two indicator field elements directly next to one another in at least one position. The edges of the at least two indicator field elements arranged directly next to one another contact at a common boundary in the at least one position and form a common indicator field which comprises the at least two indicator field elements.