Programmable Vehicle Instrument Cluster Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument clusters for motor vehicles lack versatility and aesthetic adaptability across different vehicle models, requiring costly adjustments and not offering novel display options, which limits their universal application and upgradability.
Innovation Solution
A programmable instrument cluster with multiple displays (TFT and LED) that can be configured for various data presentations, allowing drivers to choose between different views and enabling easy adaptation to different vehicles, including integration with sensors and accelerometers for enhanced data processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate instrument cluster is used for each vehicle model, then aesthetic adaptability and model-specific optimization are improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument cluster is designed with a universal housing and control unit that can serve multiple vehicle models, while the display content is made programmable to show different aesthetics and information layouts. This allows one physical device to fulfill multiple aesthetic and functional requirements across different vehicle models without requiring separate hardware for each model.
Solution Approach 2:
The display configuration is made dynamically changeable through programmable control, allowing the same instrument cluster to adapt its appearance and information presentation to match different vehicle models and even different driving modes (e.g., sport mode, economy mode). This dynamic adaptability replaces the need for static, model-specific instrument clusters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instrument cluster adjustments are made for each vehicle model, then aesthetic adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal instrument cluster design serves multiple vehicle models, eliminating the need for costly model-specific manufacturing adjustments. The universal housing and components can be produced in larger volumes at lower cost, while programmable displays provide the necessary aesthetic variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically adjusting or manufacturing different instrument clusters for each model, the invention uses programmable displays that copy or replicate different aesthetic appearances through software configuration. This virtual copying approach avoids the costs of physical customization while achieving the same aesthetic adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed displays are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and novel display options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument cluster transitions from static fixed displays to dynamic programmable displays that can change their content, layout, and appearance based on vehicle model, driving conditions, and user preferences. This dynamic capability provides novel display options while managing complexity through software-based control rather than multiple physical display types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination instrument for the instrument panel of a motor vehicle comprises at least one display (7, 8, 9), on which relevant data regarding the operation of the motor vehicle can be displayed. The at least one display (7, 8, 9) can be freely programmed with respect to the data displayed thereon and can be switched between at least two different configurations.