Rotating Vehicle Display Using Magnetorheological Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle display units are typically fixed in a single orientation, failing to accommodate different display formats such as navigation maps and camera views that are better suited to portrait or landscape orientations.

Innovation Solution

A rotating vehicle display unit utilizing magnetorheological fluid and an electric coil to create a magnetic field, allowing the display to automatically or manually switch between portrait and landscape orientations based on detected changes in system input information and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display unit is fixed in a single orientation, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the display cannot adapt to different information formats (navigation maps, camera views, etc.)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay orientation adaptabilityVSAvoidrotating mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit transitions from a static fixed orientation to a dynamic adjustable orientation system. The rotating disk mechanism allows the display to dynamically change between portrait and landscape orientations based on the type of information being displayed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by introducing controlled motion where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetorheological fluid whose viscosity parameter can be changed on demand. By applying a magnetic field, the fluid's viscosity increases dramatically, providing rotational resistance to lock the display in position. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both adaptability (rotation when needed) and stability (locking in position) without complex mechanical locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the display unit allows manual rotation, then user control over display orientation is improved, but the mechanism requires additional components for rotation control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual rotation controlVSAvoidrotation control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical rotation control mechanisms (gears, springs, detents) with a magnetic field-based control system. The magnetorheological fluid responds to magnetic field changes from an electric coil, providing rotation resistance and detent effects without complex mechanical parts. This substitution maintains ease of manual rotation while significantly reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the smart fluid provides rotational resistance, then the display maintains stable position, but the fluid requires magnetic field activation which increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay position stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field activation energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field is activated periodically and intermittently rather than continuously. The electric coil generates magnetic fields only when rotation is needed or when position locking is required, rather than maintaining constant magnetic field activation. This periodic activation provides position stability when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 optimal display format adaptation by automatically rotating the display to the most suitable orientation, enhancing passenger information presentation and user interaction with customizable resistance and detents for manual adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a smart fluid that is located in the housing and at least partially surrounds the rotating disk, the smart fluid includes a plurality of magnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid so that the viscosity of the smart fluid is affected by the presence of a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Implementation Method 2

when the electric coil is energized, the electric coil creates a magnetic field that permeates the smart fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11440483B2Rotating vehicle display unit

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system and method that pertain to a rotating vehicle display unit that can automatically or manually rotate between landscape and portrait orientations, depending on the particular display format or media being shown to the vehicle occupants. The rotating vehicle display unit uses an electro-mechanical rotating and locking mechanism with smart fluid, such as magnetorheological fluid (MR), to facilitate easy and precise rotational movement between different display orientations. The rotating vehicle display unit may be coupled to a corresponding human-machine interface (HMI) that responds to the different display orientations and helps facilitate easy transition from one orientation to another in order to optimize the particular display format or media being shown at that time.