Reversible Vehicle Control Panel for Analog-Digital Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully digital vehicle instrumentation is less readable during high-performance driving, as it requires more attention and is not easily glanced at, while fully analogue instrumentation is not suited for complex information display, leading to a compromise that affects both analogue and digital components.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a rotary secondary body that can switch between displaying a digital screen and an analogue instrument, allowing the driver to choose the display mode based on driving conditions, using a rotating mechanism and actuator device to invert the visible face, enabling both digital and analogue information presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fully digital instrumentation is used, then complex information can be displayed with high programmability, but the readability during sports driving deteriorates as it requires more attention and is not easily glanced at
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically switches between digital and analogue display modes based on vehicle operating conditions. The actuator device rotates the display unit to present either the digital screen or the analogue instrument, allowing the system to adapt its presentation mode to match the driving context - digital for relaxed city driving and analogue for sports driving.
2Ease of operation
If a single analogue instrument is provided alongside digital screens, then sports driving readability is improved, but the digital screens must be reduced in size and thus cannot effectively display detailed navigation maps
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically reconfigures itself by rotating the secondary body to either show the analogue instrument or expand the digital screen area. When sports driving is detected, the analogue instrument is presented; when city driving with navigation needs is detected, the digital screen is rotated into position, maximizing its area for displaying detailed maps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the display system. The secondary body can rotate between at least two positions, adding a spatial degree of freedom that allows the system to switch between analogue and digital modes without compromising the area available for either display type.
3Ease of operation
If a fully analogue instrumentation is used, then rapid perception during sports driving is achieved, but the capability to display complex information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel achieves multi-functionality by integrating both analogue and digital display capabilities within a single system. The actuator device enables the system to present either the analogue instrument or the digital screen based on operational requirements, making the control panel universally suitable for both sports driving and city driving scenarios.
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 minimal driver distraction by allowing information to be displayed in a manner that is easily readable in all driving situations, combining the benefits of digital complexity and analogue rapid perception, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary body (8) is mounted in a rotary manner around a rotation axis (11) so that, by rotating each time by 180° around the rotation axis (11), the secondary body (8) shows, through the through opening (7) of the main body (6), its face (9) or, alternatively, its face (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel for a vehicle and comprising: a flat main body having at least one first through opening, which is obtained inside it and is completely surrounded by the flat main body; and a flat secondary body, which has the same shape and the same size as the first through opening of the main body, has a first face and a second face opposite one another, and is arranged in the area of the first through opening of the main body. The flat secondary body is mounted in a rotary manner in order to rotate around a rotation axis so that, by rotating each time by 180° around the rotation axis, the secondary body shows, through the first through opening of the main body, its first face or, alternatively, its second face.