Rotatable Instrument Panel Display for Switchable Screen and Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern automobile instrument panels with fixed touch screens lack versatility and aesthetics, failing to effectively combine luxury, sportiness, and modernity, and do not allow for easy switching between different display modes without clutter or complex mechanical solutions.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable display mechanism with at least three display surfaces: a touch-sensitive screen, a dial or gauge surface, and a trim element surface, allowing for the integration of luxury materials and finishes, and enabling easy switching between display modes using a pivotally mounted support system with actuators for precise alignment and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed touch screen is mounted in the instrument panel, then usage confidence and haptic sensitivity are improved, but versatility and aesthetic appeal are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the display screen rotatable rather than fixed. The screen can rotate between a first position (flush with the panel) and a second position (retracted), enabling it to serve multiple functions: providing a stable touch interface when deployed and revealing aesthetic trim elements or alternative displays when retracted. This dynamic movement resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The display mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display information in touch screen mode, reveal aesthetic trim elements, and potentially show alternative information when rotated. This multi-functionality addresses the versatility deficit while maintaining the reliability of the touch interface when needed.
2Loss of information
If a large touch screen is mounted to display more information, then information display capability is improved, but aesthetic appeal and luxury perception are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable mechanism allows the screen to be deployed only when information display is needed, rather than permanently occupying visual space. When retracted, it reveals aesthetic trim elements, thus dynamically switching between information display and aesthetic presentation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel is segmented into functional zones: the rotatable display area and the fixed aesthetic trim areas. This segmentation allows the trim elements to be visually prominent when the screen is retracted, while still providing full display capability when deployed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display screen is made movable to reduce clutter, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but usage confidence and haptic sensitivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed to be stable when in the deployed (first) position, providing confidence for touch interactions. The movement capability is activated only when transitioning to the retracted (second) position, thus maintaining reliability during usage while enabling aesthetic versatility when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel has an aperture in which a display may be arranged. The instrument panel further comprises a rotatable display mechanism. The mechanism comprising at least three display surfaces supported on a rotatable support. A first display surface comprises a touch sensitive display screen; a second display surface comprises at least one dial or gauge; and a third display surface comprises a trim element. The support is mounted for rotation with respect to a mount and the mount is movable away from and towards the aperture in the instrument panel. In use each display surface may be arranged in the aperture. To change from one display surface to another display surface, the mount is moved away from the instrument panel, the support is rotated and the mount is then moved back towards the instrument panel so as to align another display surface in the aperture.