Multi-diode Display Module with PCB Cavities for Dashboard Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional motor vehicle dashboard indicator dials face challenges with mechanical failures and size constraints due to the use of cumbersome mechanical elements, and existing digital displays are not suitable for precisely indicating continuous information like speed or fuel consumption due to size limitations and poor readability.

Innovation Solution

A multi-diode display module using bare light-emitting diodes on a monolithic printed circuit board with cavities for precise indication, where the diodes are connected and encapsulated in resin, allowing for close packing and improved luminous characteristics, and the second face supports the electronic circuit for controlling the diodes, reducing thickness and enhancing aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mechanical indicator elements (needles, micromotors) are used in dashboard indicator dials, then continuous information can be displayed with good precision, but the device size increases and mechanical failures occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindication precisionVSAvoidmechanical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical indicator elements (needles, micromotors) with an optical display system using multiple light-emitting diodes arranged in a matrix. Each diode corresponds to a specific graduation mark, and selective illumination of diodes provides continuous information display without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating mechanical failures while maintaining indication precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy of the traditional needle indicator system by using illuminated diodes to represent graduation marks. Instead of a physical needle pointing to a position, the system uses illuminated diodes to indicate the same position, providing a non-mechanical alternative that maintains the same functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If digital displays are used to indicate continuous information, then mechanical failures are avoided, but readability and precision are insufficient due to size limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical elementsVSAvoidindication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display into multiple discrete segments, with each light-emitting diode representing a specific graduation mark. By selectively illuminating individual diodes or combinations of diodes, the system can indicate any position along the scale, providing continuous information display with high precision while avoiding mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the display elements by using light-emitting diodes with very small active areas (typically 0.5-2 mm²), allowing high-density arrangement of diodes. This enables precise indication of continuous information with a compact display size, overcoming the limitations of traditional digital displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If light-emitting diodes are used to display continuous information, then mechanical elements are eliminated, but the size of each diode prevents precise indication due to limited density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical elementsVSAvoiddiode density
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes light-emitting diodes with minimized active areas (0.5-2 mm²) and arranges them in a high-density matrix configuration. This parameter optimization allows a large number of diodes to be packed into a compact area, enabling precise indication of continuous information while maintaining the advantage of eliminating mechanical elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear or radial arrangement of indicators to a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of light-emitting diodes. This dimensional change allows significantly higher density of indicator elements within the same footprint, enabling precise continuous information display with compact size and without mechanical components.

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

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 precise and cost-effective indication of continuous information without mechanical elements, providing high-density diode placement and flexible color combinations for improved readability and aesthetics, suitable for dashboard applications like speedometers and tachometers.

Implementation Method 1

a first face is provided with several cavities in which are assembled at least one bare light-emitting diode, in the form of a chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

each of the diodes being connected to the printed circuit of the card and encapsulated in the cavity by means of a resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 3

encapsulated in the cavity by means of a resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEncapsulation:

Implementation Method 4

a pigment and/or a diffusing element is mixed with the resin used in order to improve the characteristics of the light emitted, for example by photoluminescence effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2028634B1Multi-diode display module
Publication Date: 2010.09.29 CFG
  • EP2028634B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP2028634B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-diode display module (1) characterized in that it comprises a support (2) in the form of a printed circuit board, one side of which has several cavities (3) in which at least one bare LED (4), in the form of a chip, is assembled, each LED being connected to the printed circuit board and encapsulated in the cavity by means of a resin. The invention also relates to an indicator dial and a motor vehicle dashboard equipped with such a display module.