Vehicle Instrument Cluster with OLED Scale Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog pointer instruments in motor vehicle instrument clusters face high manufacturing costs and limited flexibility due to permanent scaling lines and numbers, which are not easily adaptable to different units of measurement or user preferences, and require significant installation space for backlighting.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an OLED display that can flexibly show numbers and optionally scaling lines, allowing for unit adjustments and user customization, while retaining the structure of conventional analog pointer instruments and reducing the need for additional light sources and transparent elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If scale lines and numbers are permanently affixed to the display surface using engraving, etching, embossing, or printing processes, then the manufacturing process is simplified and the display is durable, but the flexibility to adjust units of measurement and content is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static, permanently affixed scale markings with dynamic, reconfigurable elements. The display surface can be dynamically reconfigured to show different scale lines and numbers corresponding to different units of measurement (km/h, mph, liters, gallons, etc.) without requiring physical re-engraving or re-printing. This allows the instrument cluster to adapt to different regional requirements and user preferences while maintaining a simplified manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the scale markings to be changed without altering the physical structure of the display surface. Different sets of scale lines and numbers can be activated or displayed based on the selected unit of measurement, enabling the same physical display to represent multiple parameters and units through electronic or optical reconfiguration rather than physical modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scales with different scale lines and numbers are applied to accommodate different units of measurement, then adaptability to different countries is improved, but the display becomes confusing and the manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the display surface into distinct, separable scale elements that can be independently controlled or activated. Each unit of measurement (km/h, mph, liters, gallons) has its own set of scale lines and numbers that can be selectively displayed. This segmentation allows the system to show only the relevant scale for the current unit of measurement, avoiding the confusion that would result from displaying all scales simultaneously, while maintaining adaptability to different countries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to switch between different scale configurations based on the selected unit of measurement. Instead of having all scales permanently visible, the display dynamically activates only the relevant scale lines and numbers for the current measurement unit, reducing visual complexity while maintaining full adaptability to different regional requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If scale lines and numbers are punched out and transparent elements are inserted for backlighting, then visibility is improved, but the manufacturing effort and installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of punched-out transparent elements and physical backlighting structures with an electronic or optical display system. The scale lines and numbers are rendered directly on the display surface using electronic control, eliminating the need for mechanical punching, transparent element insertion, and separate backlighting hardware. This substitution maintains excellent visibility through electronic illumination while dramatically reducing manufacturing effort and installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from physical backlighting through transparent elements to electronic display illumination. The scale markings are generated as electronic or optical images that can be illuminated and adjusted in brightness through electronic control, eliminating the need for mechanical backlighting structures while maintaining or improving visibility under various lighting conditions.
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
This solution significantly reduces manufacturing effort and installation space, enabling cost-effective and flexible display of operational information, adaptable to different units and user preferences, while maintaining the robustness of analog instruments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one OLED display (10), which is designed and arranged in the instrument cluster (1) in such a way that at least one number (9) of the at least one scale (5) of the at least one analog pointer instrument (3) can be displayed on the OLED display (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a combination instrument (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one analog pointer instrument (3) for displaying operational information relating to the motor vehicle. The analog pointer instrument (3) comprises at least one pointer (6) driven by an electric motor and at least one scale (5) with graduations (8) and numbers (9) associated with the pointer (6). It is proposed that at least one analog pointer instrument (3) of the combination instrument (1) has at least one OLED display (10) which is configured and arranged in the combination instrument (1) such that at least one number (9) of the at least one scale (5) of the at least one pointer instrument (3) can be displayed on it.