Instrument Panel Pointer with Electro-Optic Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
As vehicles become more sophisticated, the increasing number of graphical indicators on the instrument panel can lead to mechanical pointers obstructing the view of these indicators, posing a challenge in conveying information effectively to the operator.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle instrument panel assembly featuring a pointer equipped with an electro-optical cell that becomes transparent when obstructing a graphical indicator, using technologies like electro-chromic glass or LCD, to overlay and allow the indicator to be visible to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the number of graphical indicators on the instrument panel is increased to convey more vehicle information, then the information coverage is improved, but the pointer may obstruct the view of the graphical indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer incorporates an electro-optical cell that dynamically changes its optical properties from opaque to transparent based on the operational state of graphical indicators. When a graphical indicator is illuminated, the electro-optical cell transitions to a transparent state, allowing the indicator to be seen through the pointer. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the pointer transparent only when and where needed, rather than being permanently transparent or opaque.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical cell changes its optical transmission parameter in response to electrical signals from illuminated graphical indicators. This parameter change allows the cell to transition between transparent and opaque states, enabling the pointer to adapt its visibility characteristics based on the display requirements of underlying graphical indicators, thus preventing obstruction while maintaining information density.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pointer is made transparent to allow graphical indicators to be visible, then the obstruction problem is resolved, but the pointer's visibility and readability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer's optical state is dynamically controlled to be transparent only when a graphical indicator behind it is illuminated. When the graphical indicator is off, the electro-optical cell remains opaque, ensuring the pointer maintains its full visibility and readability. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing transparency contextually rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-optical cell is positioned specifically at the portion of the pointer that may obstruct graphical indicators, while other portions of the pointer can remain opaque. This localized application of transparency ensures that only the necessary area becomes transparent when needed, preserving the readability and visibility of the rest of the pointer structure.
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
The solution ensures that graphical indicators remain visible by transitioning the pointer to a transparent state when necessary, reducing obstruction and enhancing the operator's ability to receive critical vehicle information.
Implementation Method 1
The pointer is equipped with an electro-optical cell operable to a transparent state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A vehicle (10) instrument panel assembly (12) that includes a display surface (20) and a pointer (30) equipped with an electro-optical cell (34). The display surface (20) is equipped with a graphical indicator (24). The graphical indicator (24) is selectively operable to an off-state and an illuminated-state. The pointer (30) is operable to move about an axis to point to indicia (22) on the display surface (20). The pointer (30) is operable to a position that obstructs the graphical indictor from view. The electro-optical cell (34) is operable to a transparent-state and located on the pointer (30) to overlay the graphical indicator (24) when the pointer (30) is at the position that obstructs the graphical indictor from view. The cell is operated to the transparent-state when the graphical indicator (24) is operated to the illuminated-state.